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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Beha'alotcha
[This is part of a d’var Torah addressed to a bar mitzva boy.]
"When you raise up the lights, toward the face of the menora shall the seven lamps give light" (Bamidbar 8:2). There are seven lamps in the menora, and the commentators explain that this corresponds to the seven wisdoms in the world. A condition for the proper use of these wisdoms is that they all give their light toward the face of the menora, which is their sole purpose. The gemara (Shabbat 22b) tells us that this refers to "the western light, from which they would start and they would finish." [This light hints at the light of Torah, and it served as a testament, as the same amount of oil placed in that lamp would last all day, while the others did not – see Rashi ad loc. and Ein Ayah, Shabbat 2:17.]
There is another condition in reference to the menora. "Its knobs and its flowers shall be from it" (Shemot 25:31). Our wisdom is unlike that of the Greeks, which Rabbi Yehuda Halevi described as having flowers but no fruit. Rather, the knobs and the flowers will all be fundamentally linked to each other. The development of aesthetics, of morality, and of science must all stem from one whole piece.
"From its base to its flower" (Bamidbar 8:4). The flower on the top must form one piece with the base. The previous generations serve as a base for us, who are only additional pieces added to the vessel that our predecessors created and built. They are the proper basis for our development, our behavior, and our world view. It is true that society has changed, but we must not look at ourselves as the generation that started things from scratch. Those who taught the generation of "sabras" in Israel to think that they began the new Jewish history are now bitterly disappointed by the sour fruit that their theories brought forth. "Look at the rock from which you were quarried and to the chasm from which you were chiseled. Look at your father Avraham and at Sarah, who bore you" (Yeshaya 51:1-2). We have deep roots in the past; we have an old trunk, which is well entrenched due to its roots, and we are nothing but a direct continuation of them.
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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.
