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- Redemption - Geula
Yeshayahu wastes no time and dives headlong into the existential question that has bothered centuries of Jews throughout the four corners of the globe: How long will we suffer? When will the Geulah (final redemption) arrive? What will bring Mashiach? The prophet gives us the following formula: "Dabru al lev Yerushalayim ve-kir'u eleha ki mal'a tzva'ah ki nirtza avona ki lakecha mi-yad Hashem kiflayim be-chol chatoteha." (Is 40:2) A loose translation renders: Explain with feeling to the people of Jerusalem that the end of fighting occurs when her sins are "nirtza" for she has received double her share of punishment. The commentators point out that the word "nirtza" can be translated in different ways, leading to variant understandings of the verse and two opposing views of when and how we will merit the final redemption.
Radak and Ibn Ezra understand the word to denote a fixed time that has come to its conclusion. The prophet is then implying that there is a fixed "sentence" that has been decreed on Am Yisrael because of all its sins. Once that sentence has been fully served ("nirtza"), then the mashiach can come. In other words the date of arrival of mashiach has been fixed in advance! Seemingly nothing can influence that date. Moreover, Chazal tell us not to even try and calculate that date: "For the vision is yet for an appointed time but at the end it shall speak and not lie; though he tarry await him (Havakuk 2:3) … R' Shmuel b Nachmani said in the name of R' Yonatan: May the spirit of those who calculate the end [of days] expire ... rather await him!" (Sanhedrin 97b).
On the other hand, Rashi and Malbim explain that "nirtza" means appeasement. Our sins can be appeased and forgiven either by our repentance, or due to the overbearing punishment we've received. This then is dependant on us and our actions. As a result, the time of the Geulah is flexible! Chazal list numerous things which can hasten the redemption: "He who occupies himself with Torah study for its own sake brings redemption closer" (Sanhedrin 99b); "If they repented for even one day, they would be immediately redeemed and [mashiach] the son of David would come" (Shir Hashirim Rabba 5:1); "Even if Jews remain only with hope and expectation, they deserve redemption as a reward for their expectation and hope".
We already see now how one word of the prophet Yeshayahu can hint at a wealth of world outlooks. This in turn can affect one's actions, thoughts and prayers: Are we working towards hastening the Geulah, or fulfilling our obligations to our Creator and when the time is right, the redemption will come regardless?
Rabbi Hillel Maizels
The Rabbi of Kehillat Ohel Efraim in the city of Ariel of "Bet Shalom" Shul in the Ariel University.
The Seven Weeks of Condolence Hester Panim, Exile and Redeption
Shiv'a de-Nechemta: The Philosophy of Comfort and Redemption - 6
The Seven Weeks of Condolence Does G-d Care About Us
Shiv'a de-Nechemta: The Philosophy of Comfort and Redemption - 5
The Seven Weeks of Condolence Kibutz Galuyot and Self Hatred
Shiv'a de-Nechemta: The Philosophy of Comfort and Redemption - 2
The Seven Weeks of Condolence God's Punishment and Comfort are our Support
Shiv'a de-Nechemta: The Philosophy of Comfort and Redemption - 4
The Seven Weeks of Condolence God's Punishment and Comfort are our Support
Shiv'a de-Nechemta: The Philosophy of Comfort and Redemption - 4
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)
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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)
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
