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This parasha also tells the story of the generation of the Tower of Babel. The tower, with a "top in the heavens," is the symbol of rebellion against the Creator. Chazal identify Nimrod as the builder of the tower (Pirkei D’Rabbi Eliezer 24). Some say that the biblical Nimrod is the king that historians call Sargon I.
The prophet Yeshaya wrote a scathing prophecy aimed at Bavel (also known as Masa Ashur). The prophecy (Yeshaya 14: 12-20) speaks about someone who viewed himself as being in the heavens, above the stars, or on the highest mountain, and even said: "I will liken myself to He Who Is Above." The prophet informs him that he will be lowered to a deep pit and indeed into the grave. Indications are that Yeshaya was talking about Sargon II, the emperor of the powerful Assyrian empire many centuries after Nimrod operated in the region. Sargon II captured Samaria and exiled the Ten Tribes, who lived in the region and constituted the majority of the Israelite nation. This prophecy foresaw the fall of the ruthless and haughty Sargon II from greatness to a pit.
It is possible that this pit refers to a jail, as it is called in the story of Yosef, or it can refer to a grave. Each one seems to have support from different phrases within the prophecy. It is likely that both are true. First, the king was imprisoned. Later on, he was killed in the field of battle.
Yeshaya’s prophecy, over a century before the destruction of the Temple, could be talking about the downfall of the Assyrian king in Yeshaya’s time period. However, it can also be a prophecy much further in the future, aimed at Nevuchadnetzar, the King of Bavel, who was responsible for the destruction of the Beit Hamikdash. Rashi, following Chazal, adopts the latter approach.
Study of the Book of Daniel indicates that Nevuchadnetzar saw himself as a "spiritual" successor of Nimrod. He also built an idol, apparently a very tall one, upon which he sat as people bowed down before him. Just as Avraham rebelled against Nimrod, Chanaya, Mishael, and Azarya refused to take part in Nevuchadnetzar’s rebellion against Hashem. Just as Nimrod threw Avraham into a furnace, so did Nevuchadnetzar throw the three righteous men into the fire, but they escaped unscathed and thereby sanctified Hashem’s Name. Nevuchadnetzar found himself in a prison and was also exhumed from his grave (see Rashi to Yeshaya 14 and Daniel 3-4). The great, great grandchildren of Avraham continue his way in life, clinging to belief in monotheism and prepared to give their lives for it.
History is replete with stories of all-powerful leaders who build great towers and fantasize about ruling the universe. At the end, Hashem puts them in their places and ensures the continuity of the Jewish Nation. May we also see our haughty enemies fall, as Hashem saves us from their hands.
Igrot Hare’aya Refuting Criticism by the Ridbaz – #311 – part IV
Date and Place: 19 Sivan 5670 (1910), Yafo
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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)
