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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Naso
Material success ("Y’varech’cha");
Protection of our assets ("Yishm’recha");
Wisdom & insight ("Ya’er");
Likeability ("Viy’chuneka")
Peace ("Shalom").
Three quite unusual things to note about this Bracha (an ancient rendition of which is the centerpiece of the Dead Sea scrolls at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem):
1) The phrase, "G-d will lift His face unto you" is puzzling. Does Hashem have a face? But the image seems clear: When we act in a way that is shameful, we tend to lower our gaze so as not to look directly at others. But when we live up to that which is expected from us, we can stand tall & look the next person right in the eye. Doing the right thing results in G-d loving & being proud of us, & His gaze of approval makes us proud of ourselves.
2) While the Torah simply commands the Kohanim, "So shall you bless Bnei Yisrael," the word, "b’ahava – with love" is added to the end of the bracha the Kohanim make before they duchen. Where does this come from? I suggest the Rabbis wanted to convey the message to the Kohanim, our original "spiritual leaders," that coercion, preaching, legislation & rebuke are all inferior methods of elevating the nation. Blessing others, as long as it is with love, is the best way to connect to the hearts of others.
3) As the Kohanim deliver their blessing, the Chazan (unless he is also a Kohen & recites the bracha himself) prompts the Kohanim by saying aloud each word of the blessing, which the Kohanim then repeat. Why? The practical reason is that since the Kohanim must elevate their hands when they deliver the bracha, they cannot hold a siddur to read. So, to make sure they don’t forget a single word, the Chazan quietly prompts them.
But another beautiful idea is that, by saying the words of the bracha first, the Chazan – as representative of the whole congregation – is himself blessing the Kohanim, thus creating a circle of love that envelops everyone!
In other words, all you need is love; love is all you need.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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)
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)
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
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
