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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Naso
But just what exactly does it mean?
The first section - Y’Varech’cha Hashem V’Yishm’recha – asks G-d to bless us with material success – which we acknowledge comes from Hashem & not from our own efforts - & that He should guard that wealth so that no one will take it away from us.
The 2nd section – Ya’er Hashem Panav Elecha Vi'y'chuneka – asks the Almighty to grant us Torah wisdom ("Ya'er" is related to the word "Or" – light, a metaphor for wisdom, as in "Torah Ora"), & that people should find favor with both our teachings & with us. (In other words, our wisdom should not cause us to become so arrogant that we are resented).
But the 3rd section - Yisa Hashem Panav Elecha V’Yasem L’Cha Shalom – is a bit more difficult to understand. The literal meaning, "May G-d lift up His face to you & grant you peace" requires some explanation.
I suggest that the meaning is this: When a person does not conduct himself properly, when he acts in a way that he, himself, knows is wrong, he is embarrassed & cannot face others. But when he does the right thing, he is proud of himself & can look others right in the eye. He can even hold his head up high before G-d. This, in turn, evokes a similar response from Hashem, who looks at him with pride & satisfaction. At that point, when his gaze meets that of his Maker, he is at Peace, for there is no greater peace than to feel that we are in consonance with the will of G-d.
And so these are the particular blessings we should have in mind when saying or hearing this bracha: Wealth, security, wisdom, humility, & a sense serenity that comes from knowing that we are doing the right thing.
"Shavuot" is generally translated as "weeks," as in 7 weeks after Chag HaPesach. But the word "Shavuot" can also means "vows," or "promises." The greatest promise we can make is the one we make to ourselves, that we will function as a Tzelem Elokim, a true reflection of Hashem’s qualities. If we do that, we will bring peace not only to ourselves, but to the entire world.
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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.
