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Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Shmot
- Terumah
This time we will examine the connection between Yitro and Teruma, even though they are separated by Mishpatim. The giving of the Torah starts in Yitro and continues through Mishpatim. The construction of the Mishkan starts with Teruma and continues through the end of Sefer Shemot well into Sefer Vayikra. One of the main identifying elements of the giving of the Torah was the prevalence of the Glory of Hashem, which was accompanied by special clouds and fire at Mt. Sinai. Specifically, at the end of Mishpatim, the Torah tells how Moshe went up the mountain and entered the cloud, where he stayed for 40 days and nights (Shemot 24:12-18). The question that a spiritual person asks is how could Bnei Yisrael continue the positive elements they gained by these expressions of the Divine Presence well beyond the one-time event of Matan Torah?
A powerful answer is contained in the opening of Parashat Teruma. Bnei Yisrael would donate for a Mishkan, which would be a place where the Divine Presence would dwell on an ongoing basis (Shemot 25:8). Key among the elements of the Mishkan was the aron (ark containing the luchot, upon which the Ten Commandments were written). The aron was covered by a kaporet, out of which rose up the keruvim, and the voice of Hashem spoke to Moshe from that point (ibid. 22). The idea that without an aron there is no Mishkan (see Yerushalmi, Megilla 1:12) gives this connection extra meaning. The Mishkan enables the continuation of the dwelling of the Divine Presence in the midst of Bnei Yisrael.
In this state, the connection to Hashem is not only through the bringing of sacrifices but with the ongoing involvement in Torah study, which had started with the powerful Divine Revelation at Sinai. The luchot are in the midst of the aron in the midst of the Mishkan. Their presence enables Moshe to continue to receive Torah lessons from Hashem, which he can share with the whole nation. This center of service and of Torah, which started in the Mishkan, continued for hundreds more years in the Beit Hamikdash, continuing the Sinaitic experience. Through the study of Torah, then, the Jew is able to continue his direct connection to Hashem. In and around the Mishkan there is also a prevalence of the cloud that hosts the Shechina, as we see when the Mishkan was complete in the midst of its inauguration (see Shemot 40:34-38).
Let us pray to continue to receive the Torah, preserving the experience Bnei Yisrael had at Sinai, and live a life in which "I [Hashem] will dwell among you."
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)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Rabbis in Midrash
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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
