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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Pinchas
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Yaakov Ben Behora
We can understand why those under 20 were spared from the decree. After all, at that age one is not fully responsible for his shortcomings (Rashi on Bereishit 23:1). But after the age of 60, when one is already at an age of leadership, he should be even more responsible, so why were the elders spared? How do we know about the Levi’im exception? There is empirical evidence (Aharon’s son, Elazar, is mentioned in Sefer Yehoshua). But beyond this, the gemara (ibid.) infers from the pasuk that says that the decree was "from 20 years old and above" (Bamidbar 14:29) that only those who were counted from the age of 20 were punished, not those who were counted from 30. One understanding is that the Levi’im were counted from the age of 30 days, as we find twice in Bamidbar (3:15; 26:62). However, the Rashbam (on Bava Batra 121b) proves that it refers to the later counting, from the age of 30 years (Bamidbar 4:46). One could claim that the numerical difference is a technical way for the Torah to hint that the Levi’im were excluded from the decree to perish in the desert. However, a more substantive possibility can explain all of the exceptions to the rule.
The age of being counted, above 20 (until 60, according to Rashbam, ibid.) was not by chance, but because they were "all who go out to the army in Israel." When the spies came back with a report that the Jewish soldiers would be overpowered by their Cana’anite enemies, all eyes turned, not to the elders, but to those who would be asked to fight. Did they have the guts and the belief in Hashem to fight? The Torah records the complaints of Bnei Yisrael at that time. "Why does Hashem bring us to this land to fall by the sword, our wives and children will be taken as spoils" (Bamidbar 14:3). Who would use that language? Not the wives, children, or the elders. Not the Levi’im, who did not fight, but served in the Mishkan and were counted according to their years of service (30 to 50). Rather, it was the prospective soldiers, expressing their fear of death in battle. As it was their task to show bravery and belief, they were the most harshly punished.
How grateful we should be to the Israeli soldier of recent history, who has responded to the challenge of facing formidable odds by rising up bravely in the spirit of Kalev.
Igrot Hare’aya Excitement over a Friend’s New Newspaper – #319
Date and Place: 4 Menachem Av 5670 (1910), Rechovot
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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
