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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Shmot
- Yitro
Several questions jump out of this pasuk. First, why are Moshe’s two sons identified as "Zipora's sons" rather than the children of BOTH parents? Second, Gershom was born, & his name identified, way back in parshat Shmot (2:22). Why was it necessary once again, here in this sedra, to repeat it? Finally, although Moshe’s second son, Eliezer, was born a long time ago, this is the first time he is ever mentioned! Why only now do we learn about him?
I suggest the following: The boys are referred to as "Zipora’s sons" because she was left alone to raise them while Moshe, at Hashem’s bidding, pursued the formidable task of extricating Bnei Yisrael from Egypt. For the best of reasons, he was the epitome of the "absentee
Abba," & so Zipora is given credit for being, in effect, "both" parents.
And while Eliezer’s name expresses Moshe’s thanks for having been saved "from Paro’s sword" – way back 61 years ago when he killed the Egyptian – Moshe has been saved numerous other times since then (such as when he went back & forth to Paro’s palace); & so it seems fitting to mention Eliezer’s name here at this juncture, now that Paro has been vanquished once and for all & Moshe is truly safe.
But what about the repetition of Gershom & his name? Why the seemingly superfluous repetition here, in our sedra? What message is the Torah trying to impart to us?
So I offer: Moshe was raised in the palace, surrounded by all the luxury that royalty receives. He left the palace & went to Midian for 6 decades, enjoying a tranquil, calm & pastoral existence. Imagine how hard it must have been to leave those two comfortable places & head into the harsh desert, an uncharted territory fraught with danger, to head to Israel.
And so, as Moshe leaves Palace Paro & Midian far behind, he strengthens himself by repeating – over & over again, like a mantra – "I was a stranger in a strange land. I was a stranger in a strange land. For all of Egypt’s & Midian’s perks & pampering, "I was a stranger there! That was not my land!"
Moshe’s mantra must be ours, too. We must constantly remind ourselves that other venues, no matter how attractive they may seem, are "strange lands," & we are - & forever will be – strangers within them. G-d has given us one, true home, & that must always be our rightful destination.
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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.
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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)
