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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
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The stress that the Torah puts on "going to the place" and standing "before Hashem, your G-d," emphasizes that the fact that we have such a place to go is part of what we need to thank Hashem for. This in turn reminds us that in order to build such a national religious center it is critical to have a significant public apparatus, even if it is a partial one like the one in place at the time of the Second Temple. Individuals are not capable of or allowed to make a Beit Hamikdash. Therefore, the thanks include gratitude for whatever level of independence we have at the time. (Historically the greater the level of political independence the easier it was to serve Hashem in the Beit Hamikdash. On the other hand, this did not prevent the Beit Hamikdash from turning almost into a center of idol worship, as happened during periods of the First Temple.)
In our days, as well, it is important to remember and remind others that the existence of the State of Israel affords us great opportunities, including in the realm of spirituality and Torah study (which is true even in a time of painful cuts in the budgets of yeshivot). The government also puts great resources at the disposal of the weakest members of society from a financial and physical perspective (even at a time of deep cuts in child allowance payments). Certainly we are to remember that the state tends to our security needs, whether from enemies from without or crime from within. It is also responsible for educational and cultural activities, from schools to libraries and recreational centers. The government of our independent state runs a health apparatus that cares for the broadest base of its citizens from the time of their birth to their last day. The state provides social workers who provide a very broad level of functions.
Receiving these services without giving the proper thanks runs the danger of violating that which Chazal said on our p’sukim: "And you will say to Him – that you are not one who denies the good he has received." One need not worry. Being grateful for that which one receives does not close the door on the ability to give constructive criticism for that which requires improvement. Specifically criticism that comes from one who has demonstrated his ability to say thank you is much more likely to be accepted and have a positive impact.
Let us pray for an improvement throughout society in this very important realm of recognizing the good.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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)
