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The thinking Jew is continually confronted by the obvious question: Why must joy be preceded by suffering? Why must we first be traumatized by war & pain, & only then be delivered into victory & triumph?
Our Sedra presents the same quandary, when discussing the malady of Tzara'at in the walls of a home. The owner of the home removes his possessions & then tearfully stands & watches as his house is demolished, brick by brick. But wait, we are told by the Medrash; there's good news, too! In the walls are gold & jewels, secreted there by the former owners, who hid their valuables there when they fled. The distraught homeowner finds this treasure & his pain is ameliorated.
But - why did he have to endure this ordeal? Why didn't G-d reveal the treasure without the trauma?
This question is amplified in the story of Nadav & Avihu, the sons of Aharon. When they died, as Rashi explains in the Sedra of Shmini, Moshe said to Ahron, "I knew the Mishkan would have to be sanctified through someone, I just thought it would be me or you," implying that the death of Ahron's sons was a necessary prerequisite to building the Mishkan.
But why? Why is there the concept of "Bikrovay Ekadesh - I shall be made holy via those closest to Me?" Of all the mysteries of the Torah, this, to me, is perhaps the most confounding, the most inscrutable.
I therefore submit that we must approach this issue as a scientist views the world. We can faithfully know WHAT happens, but not necessarily WHY it happens. The facts are: Liberation follows slavery; healing follows sickness; peace follows war, & Life follows Death.
If we are alive today with a holy, vibrant Jewish country, our People resurrected in an eternal Israel, it is only because G-d's holy ones gave their lives Al Kiddush Hashem.
Acknowledging our heroes on Yom HaZikaron reflects both our trust in G-d, whose mighty Hand fashions every event, as well as a sense of deep gratitude for those who made our lives livable. A Jew who stands in respect as the siren sounds on Yom Hazikaron not only honors our brave soldiers; he also honors & affirms Hashem.
The stance we take on Yom Hazikaron is the strongest prayer we can possibly utter that we might be granted the treasure, but not the trauma. May this be G-d's will.
Rabbi Stewart Weiss
Was ordained at the Hebrew Theological College in Skokie, Illinois, and led congregations in Chicago and Dallas prior to making Aliyah in 1992. He directs the Jewish Outreach Center in Ra'anana, helping to facilitate the spiritual absorption of new olim.
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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.
