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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Korach
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Yaakov Ben Behora
Let us give a few examples. When did the m’koshesh (Bamidbar 15:32-36) desecrate Shabbat? Rashi brings the view that it was on the second week after Bnei Yisrael were commanded to keep Shabbat. Thus, the nation was disgraced for not succeeding in keeping more than one Shabbat. The Ramban learns from the proximity to the Sin of the Spies that it occurred soon after that sin, a full year later.
The C’naani (Amalek) attacked Bnei Yisrael and took captive(s) (Bamidbar 21). According to the gemara (Rosh Hashana 3a), they seized the opportunity of Aharon’s death (in the 40th year) to attack. The Radak says that the matter refers to the defeat of the ma’apilim, who decided to go to Eretz Yisrael after Hashem decreed that they would have to wait 40 years because of the Sin of the Spies. The difference is not just 38 years, but affects which generation it affected. Was it the generation that had been liberated from slavery and had been decreed to die in the midbar, or was it the generation that had grown up in the midbar and was preparing to take on the challenges of entering the Land?
A very significant difference of opinion is found in our parasha. When did Korach’s rebellion occur? Ibn Ezra (16:1) bases himself on the group’s main complaints to arrive at the following thesis. The Tribe of Levi, Moshe’s tribe, replaced the firstborn in their projected role of religious leadership. The Levi’im were put at the disposal of the Kohanim, Moshe’s brother’s family. The Tribes of Yosef supplanted the Tribe of Reuven, Yaakov’s firstborn. When these events occured, the reaction was prompt and severe; Korach led a rebellion of the disgruntled groups.
The Ramban (ibid.) cannot accept that approach. After all, his guiding chronological principle is that the Torah records all events in order, except in the few cases where it is explicit that is not so. Therefore, he says, the rebellion must have been after the difficult events of the second year had transpired. No one could have cast aspersions on Moshe’s leadership soon after leaving Egypt and after Moshe had saved the nation from Hashem’s wrath after the Sin of the Golden Calf. Only later, when Moshe did not prevent the punishment of 40 years in the midbar or the punishment received at Kivrot Hata’ava, did Korach’s band take old grievances out of the closet.
Let these examples encourage us to keep our eyes and minds open to the interaction between timing and content in the Torah.
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)
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)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Rabbis in Midrash
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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)
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)
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
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
