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On the Yom Kippur fast all Jewish people pray together. In the famous Kol Nidre liturgy mention is made that "we allow to pray with the transgressors". Our Sages taught us to pray on this fast day even with Jewish criminals! Why then on Pesach, does the Torah forbade those people who cut themselves off from the nation from eating the Pesach lamb?
All holidays, but especially Pesach and Yom Kippur, express the belonging of each individual to the Jewish nation. On Yom Kippur, the Kohen Gadol (high priest) has special duties relating to sacrifices and other commandments related to all of the nation. One of the ideas of Yom Kipur is that we are one nation. which means accepting everyone who wants to be part of the nation. Pesach has a similar idea. Everyone who was connected to the Jewish nation came out of Egypt. At the Seder night we mention four sons. The wicked son views himself as being disconnected from the nation and our response to him is "If you were in Egypt, you would not have come out".
Despite the similarities between these holidays, there is a difference in practise. When an apostate joins the public on the day of fasting and prayer, he shows that he is serious. Although he is a criminal, he really wants to be a part of the Jewish people, and so as such he can join the prayer. In contrast, one who shows up only during Passover, when the smell of barbecued lamb is carried in the air, shows he does not want to be a part of the nation, but part of a meal.
There is a place for all Jews who wants to be part of the Jewish nation, but a person who wants to eat the Korban Pesach, that sacrificial lamb which expresses so strongly the belonging to the Jewish nation, has to want to be a part of it.
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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)
