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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
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
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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Israel and the Nations A Few Minutes & Many Innovative Ideas on Antisemitism & What to do About It
As we approach the High Holidays, this short lecture (18 minutes) deals with the unfortunate situation of how Israel and the Jewish People stand against antisemitism, analyzing its cause according to Rav Kook, and how to deal with the issue pragmatically & via our prayers.
Ha'azinu PURSUIT is PERFECTION
p. Ha'azinu, Shabbat Shuva
Rav Kook deals with the question of the seemingly hopeless nature of Tshuva. For G-d Himself knows that He created us with free will, which inevitably means we will sometimes make mistakes and choose wrong. This can easily be frustrating, freezing us into inaction and ye'ush (loss of hope). If one sins even once, does he chalila have no choice but suicide?! Moreover, our Godly conscience demands justice, righteousness and perfection, but we all know this is impossible, so what's the solution? Rav Kook's innovative thinking, strongly based on chazal (our sages), offers an inciteful and important aspect to this topic, especially this time of year!
Sukkot Bug-Free Sukkah: Essential Halachic and Practical Schach Guide
How to inspect, clean, and store bamboo mats and palm branches to protect your mitzvah and holiday meals.
