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Beit Midrash
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The "wedding" between the Jewish Nation and Hashem symbolizes a situation of special closeness that we all strive to actualize. This could have happened when Moshe descended Sinai with the Tablets of the Covenant. Sadly, Moshe broke them because, instead of hearing the sound of rejoicing of "beloved friends," he and Yehoshua heard "the sound of the nation as it did evil" and "the sound of affliction" (Shemot 32:17-18). The midrash (Shemot Rabba, Ki Tisa 43) likens the episode to a friend of a bride and groom who was sent to finalize their betrothal, but when the bride was guilty of betrayal, protected her by destroying the evidence of the betrothal. Thus, Moshe, in a manner of speaking, called off the wedding … in the meantime.
In the framework of the negotiations to renew the relationship through repentance and forgiveness, the Torah states: "Hashem spoke to Moshe face-to-face as one speaks to his friend" (Shemot 33:11). "Face-to-face" is a state of special closeness, without which a wedding is not a wedding. Moshe was not satisfied with his own connection with Hashem and beseeched Hashem that His close relationship extend to the whole nation, as he said: "If your face does not go, do not take us from here" (ibid. 15).
Hashem accepted Moshe’s plea, and on Yom Kippur the second Tablets were given, and the "marriage" process was restarted. The end of the marriage was on Sukkot, a few days later, which served as a week of Sheva Berachot of sorts, culminating in Hoshana Rabba, which contains elements of Yom Kippur.
The section of Tehillim that we recite during this period ("L’Dovid Hashem Ori V’yishi") contains references to many of these motifs: "To You my heart said: ‘Seek my face;’ I will seek Your face, Hashem. Do not hide Your face from me" (Tehillim 27:8-9). David asked to be close to Hashem. Moshe got even closer, and was under the canopy, so to speak, when Hashem "covered him with His hand" (Shemot 33:22). Yet, he was only able to see "Hashem’s back" and not "His face" (ibid. 23). Along those lines, David asked to be "in His booth" and "His tent" (Tehillim 27:5).
Let us pray that in the upcoming weeks we will merit a favorable judgment on Rosh Hashana, experience His forgiveness on Yom Kippur, and be with the Divine Presence in the sukka, where we will seek Hashem’s face and hopefully receive it.
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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.
