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1. Physical building of the city. Yeshayau goes into elaborate detail as to which valuable and impressive stones will be used to rebuild the city’s walls, gates and even floors (Is 44:11-12). This expresses the idea that the city will not merely be rebuilt functionally with houses, walls and public buildings, but it will look imposing and will well represent the stature of the people. So much so that when Rabbi Yochanan describes these great stones, his student finds it hard to believe (with disastrous results - Bava Batra 75). However, physical structures alone are just empty shells, so the prophet continues with his description.
2. The society. The inhabitants of the city and the society they form are crucial components of rebuilding the city. In the song Lecha dodi we sing "Wear your clothes of splendor, my nation" – from which it can be understood that "my nation", the people are the clothes of splendor of Jerusalem. Without them, Jerusalem is bare and incomplete. When society broke down, it precipitated the destruction. In order to correct that society has to be appropriately rebuilt. Yeshayahu lists two main factors (Is 44:13-14): (a) Torah learning by the masses – "And all your sons will be students of Hashem"` (b) Social justice "Distance yourself from oppressing others".
3. Protection from enemies. When a person gives a gift, or builds something he has no responsibility for preventing damage in the future and can give no guarantees (as Rashi comments on Birkat kohanim – ד"ה וישמרך). Hashem on the other hand, promises to rebuild Jerusalem physically, set up a just, Torah-based society – and He ensures that it will not be overrun by enemies: "Any utensil created against you will be unsuccessful" (Is 44:17). Yet there is still one more stage to the prophecy.
4. The Davidic dynasty. An integral part of rebuilding Jerusalem is reinstituting Jewish, Torah-based leadership for the nation. This is not a separate prophecy or a different topic. It is the ultimate fulfillment of the rebuilding of Jerusalem. Even with the proper society living safely in walls of the city, Jerusalem is incomplete until we have fitting leadership! In fact (as Rav Moshe Aberman pointed out in a shiur on MTA 1995), we say this every day in the blessing for Jerusalem:" ולירושלים עירך ברחמים תשוב...ובנה אותה...וכסא דוד (עבדך) מהרה לתוכה תכין – And to Jerusalem your city, return…And restore (your servant) David’s chair to her speedily." Even though the very next blessing is dedicated entirely to the Davidic dynasty, Chazal saw it fit to include it also in the blessing for Jerusalem, as the culmination of the process of rebuilding Jerusalem!
May we merit speedily in our days the full rebuilding of Jerusalem with all its components: physical, societal, safety and leadership!
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 Kibutz Galuyot and Self Hatred
Shiv'a de-Nechemta: The Philosophy of Comfort and Redemption - 2
The Seven Weeks of Condolence Rebuilding Jerusalem
Shiv'a de-Nechemta: The Philosophy of Comfort and Redemption - 3
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 Does G-d Care About Us
Shiv'a de-Nechemta: The Philosophy of Comfort and Redemption - 5
The Seven Weeks of Condolence Does G-d Care About Us
Shiv'a de-Nechemta: The Philosophy of Comfort and Redemption - 5
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)
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)
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
