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This latest wave of terror is being called the "Knife Intifada," as Palestinians randomly stab those waiting at a bus stop or a train station. The latest victims are a beautiful 26-year old woman, an occupational therapy teacher; & a 20-year old soldier, one of twins – may Hashem avenge their blood & crush our enemies.
These desperate acts by depraved criminals will fail, as I said. The reason can be found in the Parsha we just finished. There we are told about two knives of our own, special knives that stand out in history. One is the knife used to circumcise Yitzchak - the very first Brit Mila performed on any Jewish child; the second knife is that of the Akeida, the knife which Avraham lifted, but did not use.
These knives symbolize faith, continuity, life. When we bring a child into the Brit shel Avraham, we attest to the fact that our bond with Hashem – a bond that began in the days of the Patriarchs – is ongoing & never-ending. Moreover, Yitzchak’s particular Brit – coming as it did when his parents were old, seemingly beyond child-bearing age – reminds us that we live miraculous lives, above & beyond nature, serving as evidence that no mortal force can ever overcome us.
The knife of the Akeida is an equally-powerful symbol of our unbreakable partnership with G-d, an indication that we will go to any limit whatsoever to demonstrate our allegiance to Him. That, in turn, invokes an equal response from above: Hashem will do whatever it takes to defend us & keep us alive as a People.
The knife in the Akeida is called a "ma’a’chelet," an unusual name, to say the least. Chazal say it derives from the word "ochel" - food, or sustenance – indicating that we are "fed," or sustained, throughout the generations by virtue of the sacrifices we make – such as the Akeida - to remain faithful servants of G-d.
Our response to this latest challenge is the same as it always has been: Be vigilant, but continue to live our everyday life. Show no fear - & certainly no mercy – to the terrorists; give them no satisfaction whatsoever in their evil desires. Pray to Hashem to keep us strong, redouble our love for our fellow Jews.
And for those reading this who still reside outside Israel, book your flights & come be a part of history!
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.
