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There is, though, a deeper connection between the haftara and the upcoming semi-festival of Rosh Chodesh. We should take note that David is related to the new moon. The fact that we recite Hallel, consisting of psalms from his Tehillim, may not be so telling, as we recite his psalms on a daily basis. But in the prayers of Kiddush Levana, we recite the famous saying: "David, King of Israel, is alive and remains." This statement is also found in an esoteric gemara discussing the emergence of the new moon (Rosh Hashana 25a). Several sources point out the connection between the Kingdom of David and the moon. The Rama (Orach Chayim 426:2) says that we recite this statement because the Davidic dynasty is compared to the moon and will be renewed like it. Rashi (ad loc.) cites the metaphor of the moon for the Davidic dynasty in the context of the long description of Hashem’s promise of the eternality of the kingdom of the House of David (Tehillim 89:38). The Maharsha (Aggadot, Sanhedrin 38a) explains the comparison as follows. Just as the moon increases for fifteen days and then starts to wane, so were there fifteen kings from the Davidic dynasty after which destruction came and only minor leadership remained (the Exilarchs in Babylonia, the nasi in Israel – see Sanhedrin 5a). However, after disappearing, the moon returns, as will David’s family. Actually, this idea of Jewish sovereignty growing and retreating is already referred to in Yitzchak’s blessing to Eisav (Bereishit 27:40).
With this introduction, we can find an additional message in the opening of the haftara. Yonatan told David, "Tomorrow is the new moon." In other words, "Your kingdom is just around the corner." One can add that we do not classically (when the new moon was declared based on witnesses appearing in court) know exactly when the new month will be declared. In that way, the imagery is that Yonatan was saying that David was basically ready to assume leadership. It was just a matter of time, whose exact details depended on when, through Hashem’s providence, Shaul and/or the people would be ready to admit it and accept it. Indeed there were many stages in David’s ascendance to leadership, from his status as a war hero, to his leadership over a band of supporters, to acceptance by part of a fractured nation, to his rule in Hebron, and finally his fully accepted kingdom in Yerushalayim.
We find ourselves in a juncture in history where there are undeniable signs of the development of an upcoming return of the House of David with all its glory. In the meantime, we read together "Machar Chodesh" and wonder when the clouds will move away and how the moon will look when it will finally be fully visible
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)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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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
