YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Vayikra
- Vayikra
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Hana Bat Haim
There is a lengthy discussion in tractate Horayot regarding the definition of "the entire congregation of Israel." One of the questions raised relates to the way and extent to which each of the twelve tribes must be represented in order to qualify as "the entire congregation of Israel." Basing himself on a verse in Melakhim, Rabbi Asi maintains that only Jews residing in the land of Israel are taken into account with respect to the Par He’elem Davar shel Tzibbur. While the Talmud cites this position only in Rabbi Asi’s name, there is no dissenting opinion, and the Rambam records it as halakhah in the laws of Shegagot 13:2.
In effect, Rabbi Asi and the Rambam are saying that while every Jew anywhere in the world is part of the Jewish nation, when it comes to quantifying the Jewish people, it is only those who live in Eretz Yisrael who count! The Rambam states this as a general rule in his commentary to Bekhorot 4:3: "For it is the Jews of Eretz Yisrael who are called the congregation. God calls them a ‘congregation,’ even when they are only ten in number. None of those living outside of Israel are taken into consideration." The Rambam uses this principle to explain why in certain Halakhic areas, only a court ordained in Eretz Yisrael is qualified to render a ruling, and why the Jewish calendar can only be determined by Jews living in Eretz Yisrael (see Sefer Hamitzvot, positive precept 153;Hilkhot Kiddush Hachodesh 5:1,2,13).
All Jews are part of the Jewish nation. But it is the Jews living in Israel who are authorized to represent the Jewish nation as a whole.
--------------------------
This is a weekly column contributed by Aloh Naaleh an organization devoted to motivating Jews to make Aliya.
Aloh Na'aleh
POB 4337, Jerusalem 91042
Tel: 972-2-566-1181 ext. 320 ~ Fax: 972-2-566-1186
Email: [email protected]
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
Israel and the Nations A Few Minutes & Many Innovative Ideas on Antisemitism & What to do About It
As we approach the High Holidays, this short lecture (18 minutes) deals with the unfortunate situation of how Israel and the Jewish People stand against antisemitism, analyzing its cause according to Rav Kook, and how to deal with the issue pragmatically & via our prayers.
Ha'azinu PURSUIT is PERFECTION
p. Ha'azinu, Shabbat Shuva
Rav Kook deals with the question of the seemingly hopeless nature of Tshuva. For G-d Himself knows that He created us with free will, which inevitably means we will sometimes make mistakes and choose wrong. This can easily be frustrating, freezing us into inaction and ye'ush (loss of hope). If one sins even once, does he chalila have no choice but suicide?! Moreover, our Godly conscience demands justice, righteousness and perfection, but we all know this is impossible, so what's the solution? Rav Kook's innovative thinking, strongly based on chazal (our sages), offers an inciteful and important aspect to this topic, especially this time of year!
Sukkot Bug-Free Sukkah: Essential Halachic and Practical Schach Guide
How to inspect, clean, and store bamboo mats and palm branches to protect your mitzvah and holiday meals.
