YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- D'varim
- Nitzavim
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- D'varim
- Vayelech
Hmm, what a fascinating statement our Sedra makes! Teshuva, returning our neshamot to a holier, more pristine state is not some far-off, pie-in-the-sky, inaccessible & impossible dream. It is right within our grasp. But just how do we grab it?! How do we access this overarching fundamental of spiritual survival?
I puzzled over this for a long time. And then, with a little help from above, I found the answer. I was reviewing the Amida of Yom Kippur’s closing service, Neilah, when I came upon the following verse from the Amida's repetition:
"Oh, G-d, extend Your hand to me & accept my Teshuva; forgive my wrong-doing, turn to me & do me good."
Suddenly, it all made sense to me.
I went to my neighbor’s house. Some time ago, we had had a bit of a dispute. He maintained that some papers from my yard had fallen over our fence into his yard, & he wanted me to pick them up. I told him that the papers were not from my yard, but probably had blown into his property from the street. Pretty petty stuff, right? But it created a rift between us, & we hadn’t said more than a few hurried "hellos" to one another for quite some time.
So I walked over to his house & extended my hand to him. "Shalom," I said, "I just wanted to wish you Shana Tova & say that I’m glad you are my neighbor!" And now, we’re like best friends & talk all the time! He even helped my clean out my gutters before the last rainy season.
I knew another person who had disagreed with something I had written (shocking, I know!). And so, after having had words, we avoided each other. So I approached him & extended my hand. "Just want to say that I hope you have a great year with lots of bracha!"
Goodbye, uncomfortable feeling; hello friendship!
How simple! How easy! Just extending a hand, & the past is erased, & a brand new start begins.
Whenever there is a "blockage" between Jews, the "body" politic of Am Yisrael is injured, & must somehow be repaired. When we manage to finally fix it, not only is it a great feeling of relief and accomplishment, but no doubt in Heaven, a Divine hand is being extended to us as well.
Rabbi Stewart Weiss
Was ordained at the Hebrew Theological College in Skokie, Illinois, and led congregations in Chicago and Dallas prior to making Aliyah in 1992. He directs the Jewish Outreach Center in Ra'anana, helping to facilitate the spiritual absorption of new olim.
Jewish Laws and Thoughts Shul “etiquette:” can we honor Hashem while respecting our fellow congregants?
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
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
