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Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
- Miketz
In this case, there seems to be a clear connection in that both start with an important dream of a king, a young King Shlomo, in the case of the haftara (Melachim I, 3:15). In the past, we also noted the overlap of the wise heart that Hashem promised Shlomo, reminiscent of the wise heart that Paroh discerned in Yosef after Yosef correctly interpreted his dream. This time we want to point out a shared expression in the parasha and the haftara and learn from it about the relationship between Yosef and his brothers.
Shlomo was presented with a judicial challenge – to determine which of the arguing women was the mother of the live baby and who of the dead baby. Was it the woman who presented the whole story in the first place, or the woman who, in short, rejected the former’s story and said that the live baby boy was hers? The Malbim claims that the responder, who mentioned the live boy before the dead one, was the mother of the live baby. The woman who spoke first, who focused on the dead baby, was the one who accepted the idea of splitting the surviving baby, and was not the latter’s mother.
Others say it was the original presenter who had pity on the baby and offered him to her rival. A proof offered is that we find her using the same expression twice, in the early speeches of first speaker and in the clinching plea to spare the life of the baby. The phrase "bi adoni" (please, my master) shows proper etiquette in speaking to the young king. The original presenter is the one who used the phrase a second time in her speech that proved that she was the live baby’s mother.
The dispute between Yosef and his brothers had all the potential to rip the nascent Nation of Israel into shreds. The death verdict the brothers handed down against their divisive brother was like a sword that would cut the nation into pieces. The conflict, which is behind the scenes in Vayeishev and Miketz, comes to its climax in Vayigash when Yehuda approaches Yosef with his strong claims – claims that were introduced with the words "bi adoni" (Berieshit 44:18). Yosef’s hard heart is softened, and he finally reveals his identity to his brothers.
One of the lessons for generations like ours is that even when there are harsh disputes between people, certainly between brothers, it is crucial to speak with respectful language. This advice is true even when matters of life and death are on the line. As Shlomo himself said: "A soft response pushes back fury" (Mishlei 15:1).
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)
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: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
