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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Masei
However, there are times when, as we say, "Ayn ha-kra yotzei miday p’shutu" – the verse’s "superficial" meaning cannot & should not be disregarded. That is, its plain, unadulterated meaning tells it like it is.
Perhaps the perfect example of this is found in our sedra of Masey. Just before the Torah delineates the borders of Eretz Yisrael, Hashem warns us in no uncertain terms:
"When you enter the Land of Canaan, you shall drive out the inhabitants from before you, destroying & demolishing all their idolatrous places. You shall inherit the Land, you shall possess it & dwell in it, for I have given it to you as an inheritance."
"But if you do NOT expel those who are living in the Land, then those who are left there shall be ‘pins in your eyes’ & ‘thorns in your sides.’ They will harass & terrorize (‘tzar’ru’) you in your Land. And it will be that whatever I had meant to do to them, I shall do to you."
For many, many years, the initial inability of Joshua to drive out foreign inhabitants from Israel plagued us. Wars against "locals" were frequent & often furious. The P’lishtim (Palestinians?) living in Gaza were among our most dastardly & determined enemies (see the story of Samson & various episodes throughout Tanach as examples) who continually conducted hit-and-run attacks against us.
And now, today, so many centuries after Hashem made His declaration, the dire prophecy once again rings true. The "pins & thorns" have developed into rockets & missiles, and the threat is more deadly than it ever was before. G-d’s chilling rebuke, "That which I meant to do to
them, I will do to you," is ringing in our ears. It suggests that, G-d forbid, if we do not drive these people out, then WE are the ones who will be driven out. In plain language: It is Us, or Them.
The fight we fight is not only moral & just, self-defensive & necessary for our survival. It is also G-d’s will. May He grant Israel security & our courageous chayalim success in their holy mission.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
