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Today, great darkness, from which we do not see an escape according to the forces of nature, has befallen our people. As we look for miracles, believers ask themselves: "Are we really fit to deserve a miracle?" After all, they know the level of dedication to Hashem that is expected of us and know how far we are from it. Avraham, the great believer, asked in what merit his offspring would be assured to receive that which Hashem had promised he would give them. Since fear of G-d is in the hands of the individual, perhaps they will not deserve to receive the gift. Avraham’s question was not from a lack of belief but from recognition of what is expected of a servant of Hashem.
Hashem’s answer was that Avraham’s descendants would be exiled and afflicted for 400 years and would emerge with great riches (Bereishit 15: 13-14). In other words, when our nation deteriorates, mankind deteriorates even more. The more we want to be like our neighbors in exile, the more they separate themselves from us. The further rival nations’ hatred takes them, the more we are worthy of receiving the Land because of their wickedness relative to us (see Devarim 9:5).
"I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will certainly go up with you" (Bereishit 46:4). When we are in exile, it is as if Hashem is also in exile. We are the weather vanes of humanity; as we are subjugated, spiritual darkness spreads. While we may act up when we are spoiled, we can contemplate when we are subjugated. Granted, our forefathers in Egypt worshipped idols like the Egyptians, but at least we did not use children as bricks. A moral chasm remained between us and them. The lower the nations go, the more they remind us of the different path we should stride on.
When a doctor finds that an unconscious patient has a pulse, he knows his heart is pumping. The heart of our nation is alive; as long as we feel the nation’s pain and seek its unity, there is hope. While many Jews may not keep more mitzvot than the nations do, we are believers, sons of believers (Shabbat 97a). When the gavel bangs and the great call is raised, all will respond.
"They will leave with great riches" – this includes great spiritual riches. They knew what Egypt and its abominations were. They understood that the same Pharaoh who did not recognize Hashem was the one who would not free Israel (see Shemot 5:2).
Avraham’s lack of belief was not in Hashem but in the hidden powers of the People of Israel. That lacking could be overcome only by a cleansing through the painful learning process of oppression. Moshe, upon seeing Jewish shortcomings, accepted the oppression more readily than the merit of the liberation. Hashem taught him that when they would leave Egypt, they would serve Him on Sinai. Hashem assured him that despite their entrenchment in sin, spiritual power would spring forth from the depth of the nation’s soul when properly prompted.
Igrot Hare’aya Refuting Criticism by the Ridbaz – #311 – part IV
Date and Place: 19 Sivan 5670 (1910), Yafo
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)
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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)
