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There are reminiscent statements, like that which Shmuel said to Shaul: "Does Hashem desire burnt offerings and feast offerings as he desires listening to Hashem’s voice …" (Shumel I, 15:22). However, that is referring to bringing sacrifices instead of listening to Hashem (in that case, Shaul had spared the flocks of Amalek because he wanted to sacrifice them to Hashem). Similarly, in Yeshaya 1, the navi compares the people to those of S’dom and Amora and then says: "Why do I need your many feast offerings?" There, though, the pasuk seems to be saying categorically that Hashem did not command the sacrifices, when we obviously know that our parasha and several others are replete with such commandments.
Some give answers that are difficult to accept, such as that korbanot are not mentioned in the Ten Commandments or that the rebuke was referring to those who brought sacrifices idols instead of Hashem. However, we will focus on the Malbim’s brilliant explanation. The Malbim points out that Hashem never commanded to bring korbanot for sins that were done purposely. Consistently the chatat and asham sacrifices are for sins committed by forgetfulness and oversight, not for intentional sin. Regarding intentional sin, one does not receive atonement and is not permitted to even volunteer such a korban.
In addition to individual korbanot, there are also set public korbanot, including those that atone for sins. Firstly, it is an inescapable eventuality that within the whole community there is someone who has sinned. We may add that when an entire community sins, even if it was ostensibly done intentionally but along with that, with a lack of full knowledge and/or understanding, the Torah treats the matter as an unintentional sin. This is hinted at in the famous pasuk that we recite in the tefilla of Yamim Nora’im: "And it will be forgiven for the whole congregation of Bnei Yisrael and the stranger who lives in their midst, because for the entire nation, it is unintentional" (Bamidbar 15:26).
These principles must guide us in our outlook on any public matter. On one hand, being careful about holy principles in the service of Hashem is not a replacement to "clean hands" and careful following of His commandments. On the other hand, regarding the sins of the community as a whole, we should always view the shortcomings as unintentional sins.
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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)
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)
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
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
