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It is strange structurally for the Torah to insert, at the point of summary, a new halacha of not entering the Mikdash, when this topic is dealt with elsewhere (including Bamidbar 5:3) but not here. It is also hard to pinpoint the meaning of the phrase "separate Bnei Yisrael from their impurity." If this halacha instructs not to enter the Mikdash in that state, it should say to separate from the sacred while tamei, not separate from the tamei. It is difficult to say that it means that the pure should stay away from the impure because neither the text nor the Torah sheb’al peh on it offers such an indication.
Turning to Bamidbar 5, where the positive and negative commandments of not entering the Mikdash while tamei appear (see Sefer Hachinuch #362, #363), the Torah says, "Send out of the encampment" a variety of people who are tamei. However, Chazal explain that they do not have to leave the main encampment, just the area of the Mikdash. This too is difficult. Since people do not live in that area, they do not need to be sent away but rather should be instructed not to approach the sacred area.
We can suggest an answer to all these questions with the help of the Sifra on our original pasuk. Chazal expound on the words "My sanctum that is in their midst" that "even though they are impure, My Divine Presence is in their midst." If that is the case, then the problematic confrontation between the impure and the sacred exists even when the tamei person remains where he is. On a practical basis, there is ostensibly little the person can do. He can’t run away from himself, and he cannot tell the Divine Presence not to approach when he is tamei.
Thus, the p’sukim write the halachot as if the tamei was to be sent away from his home (as hinted in Bamidbar 5) and stay away from the tumah in his own midst (as hinted in Vayikra 15). Practically, a person is to stay away from especially holy places. He is also to use the systems of purification spelled out previously in our parasha which "separates himself" from his own tumah. Not only does this save him from mistakenly going where he is halachically forbidden, but also removes the spiritually unnatural situation of "hosting" the Divine Presence while in a state of tumah.
We should always view ourselves as striving for purity and realizing our potential for sanctity and connection with the Divine Presence. Even if there are few operative halachot of tumah in our days, our mindset should be one of people connected to these two values.
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)
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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.
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The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
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(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
