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So what is the deeper message being transmitted here, through the medium of the korbanot?
The Rambam offers 2 reasons for bringing the korbanot: One is that korbanot were a means of weaning the Jewish nation from the then-prevalent cult of idolatry. But this reason is rejected by the Ramban & others, who remind us that korbanot preceded idolatry, as indicated
by the fact that Noach & even the family of Adam – the very first human – brought offerings to G-d!
So Maimonides suggests another idea: Animals were among the things which were worshipped by the nations (e.g. the sheep by ancient Egypt, or cows which are worshipped even today in India) & so bringing an animal for a korban indicates the superiority of Man over the animal kingdom!
Nachmanides counters with his approach: He says that when one offers up an animal, it is as if he himself deserves to die for his sins, but the animal is being sacrificed in his place (just as a ram was offered up by Avraham at the Akeida, in place of his son Yitzchak). This should
give the person bringing the offering great pause, as he realizes that he is culpable for his actions & should serve to humble him before G-d.
And so we have these twin, seemingly opposite emotions at work: Hubris & Humility. A person, on the one hand, must recognize that he is Hashem’s greatest creation, a marvelous creature endowed with a holy neshama, far above the animal kingdom. At the same time, we are
always at G-d’s mercy, a frail & fragile being who sins, & must appeal for Divine clemency & compassion.
This, I suggest, should be the posture of the newly-elected (or re-elected) Knesset. Appreciate the fact that you have been elevated to one of the highest positions in the entire world, the leadership of the Jewish People, that you are now a Chosen among the Chosen. At the same
time, do not let it go to your head; do not believe that you are above review or reproach. While we hope you will not become a korban, be prepared to sacrifice for the nation & to offer all your many talents to its diverse citizens.
Good luck – you will need it!
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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)
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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
