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Beit Midrash
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One of the first lessons we learn is the prohibition of taking a bribe. For no matter how schooled we may be in proper conduct, a bribe preys upon our basest instincts & has the ability to skew our moral compass. Pointedly, the pasuk warns us that a bribe "blinds the eyes of the wise & perverts the words of the righteous. The clear implication is that no matter how wise or righteous one may be, he is never immune to the awesome, seductive power of money.
This idea is hinted at in the very Hebrew word for money, "kesef." It is quite similar to the word, "kishuf," which means "magic" or "sorcery." There is a mysterious, mystical, almost magical power that money has, often turning the most law-abiding, straight-shooting, rational person into a scoundrel who will sell out his community, his principles, even his own family for illicit gain.
The unit of money most often referred to in Jewish life is the shekel. That word is connected to "mishkal," weight, because at one time the weight of the coin – be it silver, gold or copper – determined its value.
But shekel is also connected to the word, "shikul," which means to evaluate or consider. Not so much to value something, but to evaluate it. That is, we should always weigh the pros & cons of money-related issues, & consider what we gain or lose from the actions we are about to take, or the money we are about to make.
When Hashem gave Moshe the law of machazit ha-shekel, the obligatory half-shekel donation that was given by everyone in the nation, Moshe was baffled. "How can something which is meant to ‘save our souls’ be effected via that which is so often the root of all evil - money?" he asked. So G-d showed Moshe a fiery coin & taught him, "Like fire, money can be used to create or destroy. It can be a source of greed, or help others in their need. It can make things burn, or assist others to learn. The choice is in the hands of the owner, & so this is one of the great tests of Man."
Life, you might say, is like a coin. It has two sides to it, two faces. The side that we choose is ultimately the face that we wear.
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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.
