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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Shabbat and Holidays
- Jewish Holidays
- Passover - Pesach
It is not just that historical Shabbat before liberation that was great, for the greatness of Shabbat is not mainly what is clear but what is hidden. All of the Shabbat experiences that our nation had came together and were a "great Shabbat"; they ensured the liberation, making the people fit for that greatness. "They possessed scrolls from their forefathers, which they would enjoy from Shabbat to Shabbat, when they rested, saying that Hashem would liberate them" (Shemot Rabba 5:18).
What is the secret of a nation that powers try to enslave and destroy with all sorts of clever plans and to erase hope of freedom, but do not succeed? It is Shabbat. The gray weekdays may be days of suffering and low spirits. Shabbat, though, is a day of rest and light, not only of the candles but of the spirit. The light reminds the people of the words of their parents from their childhood and the bright past when the forefathers lived in their homeland; these give hope for a brighter future. It brightens the spirits and raises the stooped backs, as people hold on to faith in the future liberation. A father tells his son and a mother whispers to her daughter: "He will certainly redeem."
If during the week, "These are idol worshippers and those are idol worshippers" (see Shemot Rabba 21:7), "Whoever observes Shabbat properly, even if he worships idols like the generation of Enosh, he will be forgiven" (Shabbat 118b). Shabbat contains a wonderful power that can destroy idol worship, for belief in the Creator of All gives light to the depths of the spirit, which can help it climb out of its deterioration. While the Egyptians physically enslaved and tortured, the purity of the heart was the possession of those oppressed. There is no need to be jealous of the oppressor but to have a feeling of disdain and lack of regard for him.
Shabbat gave the power to the spirit to oppose the idol worship of Pharaoh: "The Nile is mine and I made myself" (Yechezkel 29:3). The bravery of the specific Shabbat Hagadol, where the Israelites took sheep, one of the idols of Egypt, and prepared to slaughter them, was able to make us fit for the liberation. It was all the previous Shabbatot that made this attitude possible and prepared the people to "smash the idols."
If we will merit to soon see a nation of freed people marching vigorously toward a glowing future, it is due to the historical Shabbat Hagadol and the greatness of Shabbat, in general. This is what slaughtered the Egyptian idols and gave the people the standing they needed, and this is the proper preparation for Pesach.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
