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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Yaakov Ben Behora
At Har Sinai, Hashem inculcated in Bnei Yisrael the fundamental belief in a single and singular G-d. For this unique moment in history, "He who sits in the hidden heights" revealed Himself to the entirety of His chosen nation. While Hashem remained beyond the ability of a human being to see (Shemot 33:20), His Presence was evident in a palpable manner to an unprecedented degree (Shemot 20:14). From that point on, the perturbing question has been echoing in the world: where does one search for Hashem? Can He be found within us ("From my flesh I shall see Hashem"- Iyov 19:26)? Or is He out of our reach (High above High- Kohelet 5:7)?
Our haftara contains the famous pasuk, "they called one to the other and said: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts; the world is full of his presence’" (Yeshaya 6:3). Anshei K’nesset Hagedola inserted this pasuk into more parts of the tefilla than any other pasuk. It is also found in the most central positions within the tefilla, leading up to Kriat Shma, in the midst of Kedusha, and in Kedusha D’sidra. What is so special about this pasuk?
The pasuk starts with "kadosh" (holy) to describe Hashem. This refers to distance from Him, to fear, justice, and that which is forbidden. In the framework of these concepts, the mind and cold analysis reign supreme. On the other hand, the pasuk concludes with "k’vodo." (His glory). This refers to Divine Revelation and, with it, to closeness, love, mercy, and that which is permissible. In this realm, feeling and a warm relationship are the leading elements. The tension between these apparently competing motifs is alluded to in the pasuk, "You shall make for Me a holy place (mikdash), and I shall dwell among them." The mikdash is a place where one must practice strict laws to preserve its sanctity, yet it is also a place that enables Hashem to enter the personal realm of every individual ("dwell among them").
Which of these approaches to Hashem, of distance or closeness, is more Jewish? The answer is that both are. All Jews should serve Hashem in both frameworks. However, different Jews put a greater or lesser stress on one or the other. There is no absolute right or wrong. It depends on what suits the individual’s personality and enables him to serve Hashem in the most complete way he can. It is especially critical that parents choose an educational approach that suits each child’s spiritual profile. One child thrives in an open atmosphere, while another benefits from discipline, etc.
We can illustrate this concept with a geometrical example. An ellipse is a figure with two foci. All points on the ellipse share the same sum-total distance from the two foci, while one is closer to one focus, and another closer to the other focus. So too, in or spiritual life, fear of Hashem and closeness to Him are the foci. Two Jews need not be in the same location. Rather, every Jew has his place on the ellipse. We must become accustomed to respecting other Jews who occupy a different location than we are used to.
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
