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The most halachically important part of the sukka is its s’chach, which produces the shade. One of the important halachot is that the s’chach must produce more shade than it allows sunlight through. The Zohar (Emor 103:1) puts the purpose of this shade of the sukka in perspective as follows: "Whoever is of ‘the root and the trunk’ of Israel shall sit in the sukka under the shade of Hashem."
In Tehillim we find that tzel has a double meaning: not only shade but salvation as well. "He who sits in the covert of the Supreme, in the shadow (b’tzel) of Hashem he lives … for He will save you (yatzilcha) …" (Tehillim 91:1-3). "Hashem will guard you, Hashem is your shade (tzilcha) on your right hand. During the day the sun will not hit you, nor will the moon at night" (ibid. 121:5-6).
If the spiritual is the ultimate protection and cover, we can understand better the Torah’s description of the creation of man. Hashem spoke of making man in His tzelem (image) (Bereishit 1:26-7), and then the Torah relates that He put man in charge of the animal kingdom. It is this tzelem which makes him distinct from other living creatures and gives him a closer connection to Hashem and a more significant life. Physical dangers have less import when stress is placed on spirituality and the soul rather than the body.
This also explains why the first woman is taken from the tzela of Adam (Bereishit 2:21-22). The partnership between man and woman emanates from the tzel – from a spiritual connection between them, and allows both of them to have the protection and closeness of the "shade of Hashem." This is as Chazal teach, "If they merit [a proper spousal relationship], the Divine Presence will be with them." One person who did not understand this properly was Lemech. One of his wives was Tzila, but he used her not to get close to Hashem but for her to always be in his shadow, i.e., for his physical pleasure (Rashi, Bereishit 4:19).
May we always make the most of our divine tzelem and spend as much time in His shade, quantitatively and qualitatively, as possible.
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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
