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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Amram son of Sultana
Rav Kook found a connection between Yosef and the Greek persecution. The midrash describes the Greek, anti-religious persecution as follows. "‘And darkness’ (Bereishit 1:2)- this is the exile of the Greeks, which darkened the eyes of Yisrael through their decrees. For they [the Greeks] would say to them: ‘Write on the horn of a bull that you have no part in the G-d of Israel’ " (Bereishit Rabba 2). The horn of a bull refers to the approach of Yosef (which the Greek’s misunderstood). This is because we find Yosef described in Moshe’s blessing to the tribe as a bull and as possessing horns (Devarim 33:17).
Continuing this approach, we can find another connection between Yosef and the beginning of Bnei Yisrael’s historical problems. The story of Yosef is connected to the most colossal of all of our sins, chet haegel (the Sin of the Golden Calf). First, of course, there is the family connection between the bull and the calf. But the legacy of Yosef is further connected to the chet ha’egel. The midrash tells of the events that directly preceded the exodus from Egypt. Moshe knew that Bnei Yisrael were bound by oath not to leave Egypt without the remains of Yosef. The Egyptians tried to prevent Yosef’s posthumous departure by weighing down his coffin and submerging it in the Nile. In order to extricate the coffin, Moshe went to the banks of the Nile and, after "discussing the matter" with Yosef was able to have the coffin miraculously surface (Tanchuma, Beshalach 2). This midrash is supplemented by another one. Aharon, who was forced to take part in the formation of the Golden Calf, did not form it as an artisan would. Rather, the gold that was collected was thrown into a furnace with the tablet that Moshe had thrown into the Nile to make Yosef’s coffin surface, containing the words, "Aleh shor (rise up, bull)." As a result, the calf was miraculously formed (Tanchuma, KI Tisa 19).
So if we take a look at the broader picture, we see that the sale of Yosef down to Egypt had several costly consequences. In addition to bringing about Bnei Yisrael’s descent to Egypt, the steps to extricate Yosef also had a role in causing the great, historical sin of the Golden Calf. This sin, the Torah promises, will figure in every calamity that will befall Bnei Yisrael (see Shemot 32:34 and Rashi, Yirmiyah 2:22). Apparently, the difficulties surrounding the Chanuka story are no exceptions, as the reference to the horn of the bull hints.
Note that the greatest sin between man and G-d (chet ha’egel) has its roots in the greatest betrayal of man by man (the sale of Yosef). The navi Amos (in the haftara of Vayeishev) referred to the sale of the righteous as a slave as the prototype of the sins of a socially corrupt society. These ideas should be on the minds of the leaders, both political and religious, of our present-day society.
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
