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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Aasher Ben Haim
The Chatam Sofer alludes to the progression of Moshe’s activities. First, he defended one of his brethren from a foreign oppressor. Once he felt as a full-fledged member of Bnei Yisrael (as the pasuk mentions, despite his upbringing as a member of the Egyptian aristocracy), he was reacting to a relatively clear cut injustice. Next, he stepped in where one Jew was attacking another. Here, the oppressed was no closer to him than the attacker. But he still had an interest, and perhaps a double interest, in stopping the altercation. Firstly, one of his clan was about to be hurt. Secondly, the pasuk implies that he was as troubled by the deteriorated moral level of the offender as he was by the prospect of the potential victim’s getting injured. Finally, Moshe took on a band of foreign shepherds who were causing problems to a group of foreign girls. Here, he seemingly did not have any personal reasons to take a stand, yet he did.
According to this presentation, it appears that the highest act of righteousness was that in which he saved the Midianite girls. If so, we should expect that Moshe would go on to a career of human rights activism, saving poor and lowly citizens and nations from their oppressors all over the world. Yet, we don’t find Moshe becoming a universalistic savior. Rather, his acts of leadership and pursuit of justice were reserved for the members of his own people. So why is there a need to stress his progression toward concern for people unrelated to him?
It is a greater mitzva, in certain respects, to do charity at home. Indeed, halacha requires that one should give priority to charity given to relatives and neighbors before people who are distant (Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh Deah 251:3). On the other hand, if one is kind only to those close to him, it is a possible sign that he is not really a kind person. Rather, he desires that things should be good for him, and he sees those who surround him as an extension of himself. Although it is right for someone to fight off the attackers of those close to him, not everybody who does so is altruistic. Some may just be hateful people who enjoy joining a fight against outsiders.
Moshe’s instinct to defend his fellow Jew was a sign of love for his fellow Jew, not hatred of Egyptians. He was able to demonstrate that point and train himself by continuing to care for his fellow man in situations that weren’t "us against them." He demonstrated it further by getting involved in fights that had nothing to do with him. Then it was clear that Moshe would be a leader who would stand up for his whole flock, irrespective of tribal or political affiliation. Hashem then instructed him to take the sterling, personal qualities he had honed and apply them at home, in service of his own nation.
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
