YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Shmot
- Va'era
- Family and Society
- Current Events
- Articles on Current Events
One of Chazal’s most difficult dictums is, "Just as we bless G-d for the good, so must we bless Him for the bad. In this world we recite two brachot: Ha’Tov V’Hametiv (He is good & does good) for happy news; & Dayan HaEmet (G-d is the true judge) for sad tidings; but in the next world we shall only recite the former, as we will see the good in ALL that G-d does."
I often caution well-meaning individuals against telling mourners: "Gam zu l’tova, everything is for the best." While this may indeed be true, it cannot be imposed on one who is suffering; he must come to that conclusion all on his own. When a loved one dies tragically, high-minded cliches are generally useless, & often they are cruel & hurtful.
Moshe Rabbeinu also agonized over Jewish suffering in a world controlled by an all-powerful G-d of Mercy & Compassion. He also questioned how Paro could be held accountable for his obstinance if G-d hardened his heart. Both these issues take center stage in Vaera.
Hashem guides a person in the way he wishes to go, facilitating his decision while keeping his free choice intact. Paro wishes to act arrogantly & live in denial, & so G-d lets him do just that. Paro passes on all the many chances he is given to save his country; & so, what began as a simple request for a 3-day pass in the desert turns into our total redemption. Paro's stubbornness, in effect, provides our salvation.
But Paro was not alone among our historical foes in this regard. Imagine where we would be today if our enemies had not held fast to their intransigence & pathological hatred of us! We would have received a truncated, tiny, indefensible State in 1947; we would never have unified our holy capital in 1967; we might have accepted the horrendous deal which Messrs. Barak, Arafat & Clinton (Mr. Hillary) tried to force on us in 2001 at Camp David, which included ceding Har HaBayit to the murderous Palestinians!
But, B"H, our enemies were stubborn & selfish. Their hearts were hard, & they rejected peace. And so we prevailed, & the tragedy became triumph. Their rejection, thanks to G-d, became our reward, time & time again.
Next week’s sedra also speaks of Time (HaChodesh Hazeh Lachem), perhaps to teach us that tragedy - such as the one which befell the Jewish People last week in Paris - must always be filtered through the prism of time. Time provides the perspective that illuminates the darker moments of our life & reveals the blessings that lie hidden beneath the tears.
What is "good" or what is "bad?" Only time will tell.
Igrot Hare’aya Refuting Criticism by the Ridbaz – #311 – part IV
Date and Place: 19 Sivan 5670 (1910), Yafo
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)
