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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Amram son of Sultana
But problems arose. Adam abused his rights in the Garden of Eden and took more of the earth’s fruit than he was permitted. As a result, both mankind and the earth itself were punished (ibid. 3: 17-19). But the basic relationship was still intact. At the end of life, man would still be interred in the source of his life, "for you are earth, and to earth you shall return" (ibid.).
Then the problems became more severe. Cain, whose occupation was to work the land, first sinned by not using its bounty properly to show respect to his Maker. The situation deteriorated to the point that he killed his brother. In the process, a strange turn of events occured. Previously, Adam had opened his mouth to absorb a part of the earth’s fruit that was off limits to him. At this point, Hashem criticized the earth for opening up its "mouth" to absorb a part of man that should have been off limits to it. The ground should be the burial place of the deceased. But here, the earth covered up the blood of a mortally wounded, live person, thus serving as an accomplice to the crime (see 4:11 with Rashi). At this point, Cain is told that even with hard work, he would not succeed in working the land productively.
What does Cain do with the new circumstances? The Torah relates that he built a city and named it after his son, Chanoch (a name which hints at the concept of inauguration). Rav Hirsch notes that the Torah does not use past tense to tell that he built a city, but says that he became the builder of a city. In other words, he changed professions and initiated a direction for himself and his offspring afterward. That was to ignore, cover up, and build over the ground with the man-made, a city. He gave up finally, out of resignation, not necessity, on the former relationship between man and Mother Earth.
This approach was reversible. Noach developed agricultural tools to help deal with the curse of the ground (Rashi on 5:29). After his generation caused the destruction of the natural world as it was known, Noach came out of the ark and became a "man of the ground" (ibid. 9:20). From those times on, there has been tension between segments of society. Some have felt Mother Earth’s call and have embraced an agrarian lifestyle and value system. Others fit into the mold of city-builder (or, at least, city dweller), giving up on the dream of repairing the damaged relationship between man and the earth. Some live with internal conflict between the differing feelings.
In Eretz Yisrael, we have a special closeness to the Land, which impacts on its inhabitants. Here even city dwellers should find a way to connect to it.
Parashat Hashavua The Strength of His Actions He Told to His Nation
Harav Shaul Yisraeli – from Siach Shaul, pp. 6-8
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
