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Rabbeinu Bachyei uses this thesis to solve one of the most difficult questions that face the student of Tanach. In Melachim (II, 18: 13-15), the navi describes Chizkiyahu’s handling of the threat from Sancheriv, the King of Assyria. Chizkiayhu apologized for his lack of loyalty and agreed to pay whatever duty that Sancheriv would place upon him. This turned out to be 30 gold bars and 300 silver ones, which required him to empty out the royal storehouses and those of the Beit Hamikdash. Following that, we see the intimidating rhetoric used by Assyrian officers to the encircled Jews of Jerusalem. This prompted Chizkiyahu to send an urgent request to the prophet Yeshaya to pray on the people’s behalf before Hashem (ibid. 19: 2-4), which he did in a most moving way (ibid. 15-19). Here we see the approaches of presents/appeasement and prayer.
In Diveri Hayamim (II, 32: 3-8), though, we see a very different story. Chizkiyahu entered into strategic discussions with his officers. They decided to divert the water supply for their advantage, build up the fortifications, and rally the people to be brave in defense of the city. This, of course, is a very different picture, of a king not willing to humble himself but who is willing to fight for the life of the city and its inhabitants. According to Rabbeinu Bachyei, there is no contradiction. It was not one approach or the other. Rather, Chizkiyahu followed Yaakov’s lead and used all three tactics.
Let us end off with a question for our readers. Rabbeinu Bachyei said that at his time, the approach of waging battle had to be taken off the table because of the decree that Jews of exile do not wage war. We can ask: nowadays, that we have an independent sovereign state, and there are no superpowers at war with us, from whom we are not naturally able to protect ourselves (as Chizkiyahu had) – should we take the approach of humbling presents/appeasement off the table?
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)
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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
