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Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Pinchas
Pinchas arose and took action against the couple that was desecrating Hashem’s Name, as the nation stood by crying (bochim), and for this he was rewarded with a special brit (covenant) of peace (Bamidbar 25:6-7, 12). We find a parallel section in Tanach. A malach (which can mean, angel or messenger) of Hashem came to the people at Bochim and reminded them that Hashem took them out of Egypt and warned them not to break their brit with Him. The place was called Bochim because of the crying (Shoftim 2:1-5). Chazal connect between the two episodes recorded in different books in Tanach and say that the malach in Sefer Shoftim is actually Pinchas (Vayikra Rabba 1).
Not only is Pinchas called a malach, but at the end of Nevi’im, the prophet, Malachi, says in Hashem’s name that He will send a malach to prepare the way for the revelation of Hashem in the Days to Come and refers to "the malach of the brit, whom we desire" (3:1). Finally, the navi says that he is sending the prophet, Eliyahu, before that great and awesome day (3:23).
One of the most powerful mandates in the Torah is to serve Hashem with happiness. We see this from the saying in regard to the curses, which come "because you did not serve Hashem with happiness and a good heart, from a plenty of everything" (Devarim 28:47). Yet, there is one very important mitzva, which is always accompanied with crying. We are referring to the brit mila, where the baby cries, as he did when he was born. This is a happy type of crying for us despite the pain.
The zealous prophet, Eliyahu, complained to Hashem that Bnei Yisrael forsook the brit (Melachim I, 19). The midrash says that, in response, he was commanded to visit every brit mila, where we are to prepare a special chair for him, so that he can see that we have not forsaken the covenant. He is sent both to console the crying baby and to rectify the complaint that he made about the nation.
It is thus easy to see the connection between Pinchas and Eliyahu. Pinchas was the malach who was zealous when he had reason to fear that there was a danger to the brit, both in Bamidbar and in Shoftim. There he met up with those who were crying. Eliyahu, the malach habrit, was sent to the crying baby at every brit mila.
Let us pray that we will merit keeping the many mitzvot with happiness and a good heart and continue to prove that the covenant has not been forsaken.
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
