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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- D'varim
- Nitzavim
We have, in the past, demonstrated that the word nitzavim is a reference to a setting of revelation of Divine Presence and that the unity of different elements of society described there is a condition for that Presence. The idea of "all of you," along with the widely diverse elements of society, is a sign of the importance that the Torah gives to social justice. Whatever people’s roles and status in society in general, all are equal in their ability to take part in the holy convocation with Hashem.
In many societies, the right to be involved in spiritual affairs, to learn and benefit from such experiences, was reserved for the elite within society. Here the idea is the opposite. In order for anyone to benefit from the status of the "chosen nation," the nation has to give every member of the nation the right to be included and to open the window of spirituality before them. The leadership and the "elite" in society, mentioned in the beginning of the pasuk, must ensure that this is the case.
Every coin has two sides, and in this case, the opportunity afforded to all also places the yoke of responsibility upon all. The entire nation was "passed through the covenant" (ibid. 11). The covenant requires the powerful to include everyone in it and thereby create a whole nation that is responsible for the conditions of the covenant. The covenant was not limited to that generation, but all future generations were included as well – as the Torah writes, "Those who are with us here and now, and those who are not… (ibid. 13-14).
We call upon the leadership of the country who are responsible for spreading the spiritual treasures of our nation, such as the Chief Rabbis and the Minister of Education, to help all the citizens of Israel gain access to as much truth and spirituality as they possibly can. All should be invited to take part in our national legacy. This call is especially important on the doorstep of a new year. Without allowing all to taste the good we have, we will not succeed in calling all to take part in the obligations of the covenant. As Rav Kook has taught us, the love of religion and respect for it must precede the observance of the religion.
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)
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)
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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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
