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Yom Ha’Atzmaut (& later Yom Yerushalayim) are two such occasions for G-d-fearing Jews to express heart-felt gratitude, Hakarat HaTov, to the Almighty for the miraculous rebirth of our country, the conquest of our eternal capital, & all of the manifold blessings that now flow to Am Yisrael from these Divinely-delivered cataclysmic events.
But, needless to say, these miracles did not occur in a vacuum. Hashem had innumerable messengers who partnered with Him & enabled our prayers & dreams to come to fruition. Foremost among these partners are the holy soldiers who fought for the cause, all too often paying the ultimate price. They, too, must be humbly acknowledged by a grateful nation.
We sometimes link together the 3 successive Torah portions of Acharei Mot, Kedoshim and Emor. Somewhat cynically, we say that when the titles are read as one, they can mean, "After people die, then they say how holy they were!" There is indeed some truth to this; it is common to gloss over one’s faults & (over)glorify their lives after they are gone.
But I suggest another meaning, one that is particularly apropos to precisely this time of year when these three Sidrot are read.
If we place the comma after, rather than before the word "Kedoshim," we come out with the phrase: "After the death of the holy, we must speak about them." That is, we are obligated to speak openly & admirably of our martyred heroes whose courage opened the door to our own good fortune. And this is exactly what we do, on a national level, on both Yom HaShoa & Yom Hazikaron.
There is a pasuk from Yirmiyahu which we recite in the Musaf Rosh Hashana section of Zichronot- memories: "Ha-ben yakir li Efraim…..ki miday dabru bo, zachor ez’k’renu od…rachem arachamenu, n’ume Hashem; My beloved son & precious child Efraim; when I speak about him, I remember him." This pasuk is often found on the walls of cemeteries (including Ra’anana’s military cemetery). Efraim, the leader of the 10 (lost) Tribes, may have strayed from the path. But Hashem misses Him, yearns for him, remembers him.
So must we, for our children. If we do, then they will not be lost, & G-d will have mercy upon us.
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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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)
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.
