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Beit Midrash
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In the Yerushalmi (Ta’anit 4:5), Rabbi Shimon quotes his rebbe, Rabbi Akiva, as saying that this refers to Bar Kuziva (Kochva), and that when Rabbi Akiva would see him, he used to announce: "He is the King Mashiach." Bar Kochva’s major activity was developing the military capabilities of the nation, which was critical in securing political independence. Bar Kochva was not a leader who was involved deeply in the study and certainly not in the teaching of Torah. We find no accounts as to his spiritual proclivity. (We do have historical evidence that he was Torah observant, and for example we find that he made sure that the people who were encamped with him in Ein Gedi received sets of lulav and etrog). We do not even find that those who disagreed with Rabbi Akiva’s conviction that Bar Kochva was Mashiach used Bar Kochva’s less than stellar religious level as justification of their skepticism.
The Rambam (Melachim 11:1) prefers the approach of the Midrash Aggada (Balak 24:17) that breaks the pasuk’s introduction into two, whereby it is a reference to David and to Mashiach. This implies that not only does Mashiach have to be a biological descendant of David, but he should also be a spiritual giant like his forebear. It also describes him as one who fought against the nation’s enemies like David. The Rambam (ibid. 4) lists as a condition for one’s immergence as Mashiach that he must be one who delves into matters of Torah and occupies himself in mitzvot. We see that according to the Rambam the situation we await is that Mashiach will combine political, military, and Torah greatness.
The Ra’avad (ad loc.) sees Mashiach as a figure who is separated from a natural life of mundane activities. Mashiach is not described in the Torah (including our p’sukim in Balak) but in the works of the Prophets. While the Rambam (ibid. 3) says that there will be no need for a candidate to be Mashiach to perform miracles to prove himself, the Ra’avad said that he will have to do so. He bases himself on the gemara (Sanhedrin 93a) that attributes to Mashiach the p’sukim (Yeshaya 11:2-3) that he will be imbued with a spirit of wisdom, bravery, knowledge, and fear of Hashem, and that he will be able to "smell" the truth (in judging between people – Rashi ad loc.). The gemara continues that the Rabbis tested to see if Bar Kochva had the ability to smell in this way and he failed. Thus, we have a third approach: Mashiach will function only within the spiritual realm.
Until Mashiach emerges, may we be blessed with leaders who excel in the physical realms and leaders who are great in the field of Torah and are connected to the practical world.
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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)
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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
