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The midrash gives a frightening answer from which we should learn for all generations. It says that Moshe heard people speaking about him: "Look at all the things he has. He eats from the Jews’ property, drinks from the Jews’ property, and all that he has is from the Jews." Another one said: "Would you think that the one who is in charge of all the work of the Mishkan would not be rich?" The Midrash concludes that Moshe decided that when he finished the Mishkan, he would do an exact accounting of everything that was collected and used.
A different midrash (ibid.) describes the drama that occurred when the final accounting report was issued. Moshe invited everyone to the presentation of the report. When he made the calculation of what had been used, he forgot the silver used for "vavim" of the posts of the tent walls, which was the weight of 1,775 shekel coins. (This is the reason that the Torah writes separately the amount used on the vavim (Shemot 38:28). Imagine the pandemonium that erupted when Moshe was unable to justify his use of the donations. The solution to the situation was no less dramatic: a Heavenly voice came out and said that the unaccounted silver had indeed been used for the vavim.
The issue of Moshe’s propriety was a matter that was argued with the opponents of the Jewish people over the centuries. The Yerushalmi (Sanhedrin 1:4) relates that the Roman governor, Antignus taunted: "Your teacher, Moshe, was either a thief or did not know arithmetic." If Moshe Rabbeinu was subject to such criticism, simple people can also expect to be liable to be suspected.
During the month when our ancestors would prepare donations for the year’s service in the Temple, which we make a point of reading publicly, we would like to remind all those who are in public and mitzva-related funds to be very careful. If Moshe Rabbeinu could take steps to avoid even the appearance of impropriety, we should as well. It is important to keep books with transparency, pay taxes diligently, and give workers their full rights. The public can do its part by checking that the places to which they donate are above board in their finances. Rabbinic leaders would be wise to leave the ability to sign checks in the hands of voluntary members of the board and not assume more monetary authority than is safe for their reputations.
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)
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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
