YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Vayikra
- Emor
The legacy of Nadav & Avihu permeates the book of Vayikra. We first read of their deaths in parshat Shmini; we then allude to them in the twin parshiyot of Acharei Mot & Kedoshim (which means, literally, "after their death, they were known as ‘the holy ones’") & now, in our Sedra of Emor, they are implied in Hashem’s command, "I shall be sanctified among the Children of Israel."
Our Rabbis define this all-important Mitzva of Kiddush Hashem: One must be willing to give up his life rather than commit certain sins or commit a sin in public, which then results in the desecration of G-d’s name. We extend this exalted status to anyone who dies in order to avoid sinning, or to defend Hashem or His land, or simply because he is a Jew. Nadav & Avihu, who perished while bringing offerings to Hashem at the Mishkan’s consecration, also fall into this sainted category.
Numerous individuals are singled out by the Rabbis as having been martyrs to G-d: Daniel in the lion’s den; Chananya, Mishael & Azarya in the fiery furnace; Papus & Lulyanus & Rabi Akiva, at the hands of the Romans. Of course, they differ; the first four were saved at the last moment; the last three were murdered.
Whose was the greatest act of sanctifying G-d’s name?
Some say it was those who died, as they actually gave up their lives for Hashem. Yet others say that those who were rescued actually effected the greatest Kiddush Hashem, as G-d’s saving power was then put on display for all to see, adding to His glory.
But there is another possibility: That when the act of sacrifice is over, then G-d performs a miracle of a different type: He allows our nation to continue, despite the trauma. Thus, even after Nadav & Avihu died, the avoda of the Mishkan did not stop. And after Rabi Akiva was tortured & killed, we still continued in our pursuit of Torah learning.
We read these Parshiyot in the time of year when we remember the victims of the Shoa, the fallen soldiers of the IDF, & Rabi Akiva’s students. All martyrs, all tragic losses to Am Yisrael. And yet, despite our grief, WE GO ON! We push forward, grief and all. This resolve to persevere is OUR national act of Kiddush Hashem, & may actually be G-d’s greatest miracle of all.
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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
