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Beit Midrash
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Perhaps Moshe took the cue from Hashem. According to a midrash in at least three places (see Tanchuma, Yitro 9) Hashem actually wanted to give the Torah to Bnei Yisrael right after they left Egypt (it is not clear on precisely what date). However, since Bnei Yisrael quarreled at each encampment, Hashem did not give it earlier. He waited until they came to the Desert of Sinai and encamped opposite the mountain "as one person with one heart" (see Shemot 19:2 and Rashi, ad loc.). Moshe, thus, saw that the crucial thing was not the date on the calendar but the development of Bnei Yisrael in the proper way.
What did Moshe feel would be gained by waiting? According to Rashi (Shemot 19:15) Moshe calculated that if the Torah was given on the sixth, some women would be unable to become purified by that time. This type of impurity would not have raised a halachic problem in this context, and there were types of impurity that existed anyway. However, Moshe realized the crucial role that the women would play in the proper acceptance of the Torah. In the first message Hashem gave to Bnei Yisrael regarding their preparedness to accept the Torah and enter the special covenant, He told Moshe to speak to "Beit Ya’akov" and "Bnei Yisrael" (Shemot 19:3). Rashi identifies Beit Yaakov as the women, making it interesting that the women are mentioned first in this context. Moshe decided that for Bnei Yisrael to be fully ready to encounter Hashem and accept the Torah, the women should have the opportunity to be at their spiritual best.
Rav Dessler (Michtav Me’eliyahu, vol. II) discusses the danger of the Torah being given with a display of love between Hashem and Bnei Yisrael without the requisite level of fear of Hashem and human effort. Therefore, when Bnei Yisrael expressed apprehension in hearing Hashem directly present the words of the Torah to them, Hashem accepted it (see Shemot 20:17). Thus, we see on several levels that the nation’s having the right attitude and preparing for the giving of the Torah was more important than it being at the most opportune time and optimal manner.
May we relive the giving of the Torah through a sense of unity, a proper balance between love and fear of Hashem, and in a manner that allows both men and women to get the most out of the opportunity. These steps will help ensure the right circumstances for fulfilling the Torah in ever-increasing quality.
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)
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)
