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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Beha'alotcha
This section of Zecharia was also selected as the haftara of the Shabbat of Chanuka, at which time we, of course, remember the special miracle that allowed for the continued lighting in purity of the menora later in the period of the second Beit Hamikdash. The question arises whether Chazal saw the miracle of Chanuka as the fulfillment of the prophecy of Zecharia.
Zecharia lived at the time of the Persian Empire, under the rule of Daryavesh (Darius). The leaders of the Jewish community were Zerubavel ben She’altiel, who was a descendant of David, and Yehoshua ben Tzadok, who was a descendant of Aharon Hakohen. We will now summarize another of Zecharia’s prophecy’s (Zecharia 8), which speaks about a wonderful liberation.
The liberation comes with good feelings and without the need for "birthing pains." There are no wars or security issues. The Divine Presence will return to dwell in Yerushalayim and its Mikdash. There is internal harmony within Am Yisrael, including between the spiritual leadership and the political leadership. The nations of the world will recognize Hashem’s kingdom and the liberation of Israel and will take a positive, active part in the process.
To our great dismay, with all of its great importance, none of these things occurred in the time of the Chanuka story. Therefore we can conclude that the menora described in Zecharia is not referring to the miracle of Chanuka and its celebratory chanukiya.
The decision of the young State of Israel to adopt as its symbol the menora of Zecharia, as it is flanked by olive branches on its side, contains an element of setting a high standard for what it envisions as liberation that it would like to reach. We thank Hashem for having the merit to see the beginning of the process and commend the State on its choice. We urge, already at this time, to work hard to forge a peaceful partnership between the Torah leadership and the political leadership, as Zecharia foresaw.
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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
