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Uh, what do you mean, "If/when?!" Make up your mind, please; is it "If?" or is it, "When?" After all, the two words are certainly not the same; one is optional, the other is obligatory! So which definition is the one that fits our pasuk?
Well, that is exactly Rashi’s point when he comments on the Hebrew word, "Im." Normally, he says, it would be translated as, "if." But on some rare occasions, the same word means "when." Such as in the verse, "Im – WHEN you will lend money to a fellow Jew in need…." No ifs, ands, or buts; you HAVE to help him. It’s just a question of when.
And here, too, in our pasuk, the Torah tells us that we must bring certain korbanot, whether we like it or not.
But hold on a second. I was always taught that "sacrifice" was a very bad translation of the word "korban." Because "sacrifice" implies that I am giving up something (usually money!) that I would much rather not part with. A better translation (and certainly a more "PC" one!) would be "offering," which has the connotation of something I do willingly, out of choice, in order to get closer to Hashem.
So how, then, can I be forced to do something willingly?! It’s a contradiction in terms!
Let’s try to unravel this riddle by taking our time-machine back to the beginning of humanity. Kayin brings a korban to G-d; but being that it is inferior, Hashem rejects it, & Kayin goes berserk. What was Kayin thinking?
Kayin said to himself, "Why does Almighty G-d need my offering; He has everything & wants for nothing! So I may as well not use up the best of my produce; I’ll just bring a simple, token bit of flax." But Hashem is not happy. Of course, it's true that He doesn’t need the offering; but He DOES want Kayin to give his utmost, to try his hardest, to excel in sharing. To learn to be a giver, & not only a taker.
And so it is with the whole concept of offerings – today represented by prayer. G-d demands that we bring offerings & that we pray, but not for His benefit. Ultimately it is we who are the recipients of the offerings we present, of those prayers we utter. And because G-d, the supreme parent, wants the best for us, He must sometimes make us do that which is right & in the end rewarding for us.
Perhaps that is why the word, "Im" has the same Hebrew letters as "Aym – mother." G-d, the Mother of all life, knows best!
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)
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)
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
