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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
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In the recounting of the inauguration of the Mishkan (in Parashat Shemini), the Torah also describes the preparations for the Divine Presence to descend, which it finally did in the form of a fire that "devoured" the offerings. The people, seeing this as a sign of the arrival of the Divine Presence, bowed down in response (Vayikra 9:24). Another time when fire and a cloud were the sign of the Divine Presence was at the giving of the Torah at Har Sinai, as mentioned in Parashat Yitro (Shemot 19:18) and, at greater length, in Parashat Mishpatim (ibid. 24:15-18).
What is the connection between these external signs and the Divine Presence? Fire reminds us of sanctity and middat hadin (the attribute of strict justice). The cloud is always connected with an element of kavod – honor in a softer, more pleasant manner, and thus middat harachamim (the attribute of mercy).
The scholars of the more mystical truths of Torah explain the matter as follows. On one hand, Hashem is beyond human comprehension, and is distant from us. This is symbolized by middat hadin. On the other hand, He is close to us in that "there is no place that is without Him." This second element is symbolized by middat harachamim. The tension between these two ostensibly contradictory elements serves as the basis for generations of Jewish thought. We can describe two tracks of the expression of Hashem’s complex interaction with us. One is: strict justice, distance, fear, prohibition, intellect, and cold calculation. The other one is: mercy and compassion, closeness, love, permissibility, emotion, and warm relations.
May we merit Divine Revelation which combines the best of both elements.
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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.
