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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
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A nation wandered in a barren land, with hot sand beneath them and a hot sun above, searching for a land to arrive at. They had thrown off their bonds of slavery but were looking for an independent life of freedom. What was leading them, preparing the path for them and warding off their enemies? The ark and the divine clouds. Flashes of fire came out from between the staves of the ark, burning snakes and scorpions; the clouds straightened the path (Devarim Rabba 7:9). The people were drawing closer to entry into the Land.
We find later on (Bamidbar 14 – next parasha) that the people were still excited about the idea of entering the Land. They wanted to go up and enter the Land, willing to sacrifice their lives for the dream of their homeland. Yet, the Amalekites and Canaanites came and destroyed the pioneer group (ibid. 45). Why were they not successful? Since the ark did not go along with them (ibid. 44), what happened was not a surprise.
These days also, the Jewish nation is wandering in the wilderness of the nations, without a clear path, seeking the Land where the cloud will enable them to have a proper encampment. However, they are exposed to different clouds, not those that straighten a path but cast fog over it. There are once again masses of Jews with walking sticks in hand and a questioning look of "to where" in their eyes. The most powerful state in the world has proclaimed war on them, and we would like to stand up and battle them. We proclaim: "We are ready to go up to the Land and sacrifice our lives for it." However, that is a dangerous step, and the question remains whether our fate will be like those who tried to go up to the Land from the desert and were destroyed.
The same guideline should be before us now as then. As long as the ark of the covenant is with us, we should feel confident that we will be brought to a place of rest. Operatively, that means that we must keep our part of the covenant. We have two covenants: the old one stemming from Mt. Sinai and the new one that came with the known declaration [apparently, Balfour]. These days the latter covenant has been publicly renounced [White Paper of 1939]. We must redouble our efforts to reinvigorate the original covenant and have it stand up against the new, abrogated covenant. The covenant at Sinai must stand up for us as we battle the modern Amalekites and Canaanites.
Tragically, we do not see the force that can bring us the salvation we need. We are not carrying the ark of the covenant. The calls to fight do not include the Name of Hashem, and martyrs are mentioned without invoking His Name. Most of us "kick the ark." At times like this, we have a special obligation to influence them. We are used to blaming those who desecrate Shabbat and other commandments and thereby defile the Land. However, we must remember that there are those who carry the ark. We need to know how to carry it before the nation and return it to its proper station. "The ark carries those who carry it."
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)
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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.
