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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Hana Bat Haim
Evidence of this type of practice were uncovered a few years ago in one of the most significant archeological finds in Israel, or the world for that matter. A large altar was found on the eastern slopes of Har Eival, a place that is mentioned prominently in the Torah. It is almost certain that this was the altar that Yehoshua built when Bnei Yisrael entered Eretz Yisrael, as Hashem commanded Moshe. It was on Har Eival that Bnei Yisrael were to, on the day they entered the Land, build an altar, bring sacrifices and write the words of the Torah on stones (Devarim 27: 4-8). This altar, which was used by Bnei Yisrael during the fourteen years of capture and division of the Land was, as we can now see, abandoned and covered in dirt in an orderly manner. This apparently happened when Bnei Yisrael moved the Mishkan to its more permanent location at Shilo, at which point sacrifices became forbidden everywhere but there.
How was this altar constructed? The altar was built in two stages. Originally, sacrifices were brought on the natural ground level, on top of the rocks present at the spot from before. Apparently, after that area was sanctified by the sacrifices, a large altar was built on top of the spot. (The dimensions are almost precisely as they are described in the tractates of Zevachim and Midot and the Rambam’s Laws of Beit Habechira.)
This concept of consecrating and then building has an additional, historical precedent in connection with the shofet, Gidon. First, Gidon was instructed to bring some food to a stone and it was consumed like a sacrifice. Only afterwards did Gidon build a proper altar to Hashem on the spot of the sanctified stone. (Shoftim 6: 10-24).
(We suggest to learn more about these important, archeological finds in Adam Zartel’s book, "Am Nolad." They prove that which the Talmud Yerushalmi says that the Kuttim lied when they raised questions as to the authenticity of our traditions.)
The eternal lesson from these concepts is that any attempt to build holiness requires that there be a process of sanctification and fundamental preparation. Let us pray that we will merit seeing the preparations and the realization of such sanctity.
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.
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)
