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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Shlach Lecha
The Sedra begins on a puzzling note, sending very mixed signals. On the one hand, Hashem tells Moshe to send out scouts, m’raglim, to scope out the Land of Israel. This would seem to indicate that the decision to conquer Israel had yet to be made. Yet at the same time,
G-d declares quite matter-of-factly, "I am giving this Land to the Children of Israel."
The spies, understandably, are in a quandary: Is the conquest of Israel Divinely ordained, a "slam dunk," (for all you basketball fans out there!), a "done deal," as the pasuk seems to indicate? If so, then what is the point of their reconnoitering? Or is it "up to us;" that is, does it depend on what WE do, are we human beings ultimately the determining factor as to whether we inherit the Land, or not? If so, are we truly up to the task? Can we decide to opt out, if we think we have good enough reasons to do so?
This is the predicament in which the m’raglim – good, righteous and wise men, each & every one of them – find themselves. And, by extension, it is exactly the crisis which confronts every genuinely G-d-fearing, thoughtful Jew alive today: "Can I be absolutely assured that G-d will grant me a successful Aliya, so that I might fulfill what all our Sages agree is one of THE fundamental Mitzvot of the entire Torah?
Or is it dependent upon my own credentials &, if so, do I have what it takes to make the grade?"
It is, in a word, a battle between Faith and Fitness.
Calev & Yehoshua, who are not even the greatest of the princes sent out as scouts, succinctly address both sides of the issue. On the one hand, they qualify G-d’s role and acknowledge the people’s crucial part in the process. They declare: "If Hashem desires us" – meaning, if we truly do deserve it – "then He will bring us to this Land & give it to us." But at the same time, lest the people lose confidence in themselves, they reassure & encourage the nation: "Yachol Nuchal Lah - we can surely do it!"
Life, as we all know, is about choices. Hashem wants it that way, so we do not become robots, & so that we can earn reward for freely deciding to connect to His will. But those choices may be exceedingly excruciating, and may cause us - like the rebellious m'raglim of our Sedra - to doubt ourselves and our noble cause.
So what do we do?! I suggest, for inspiration, that we look both upwards into the Heavens, as well as way down to our gym shoes, for
the essential message is written there: "JUST DO IT!"
Parashat Hashavua Unfortunate Disbelief in the Coexistence of Opposites
1988 – from Siach Shaul, p. 388-390
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)
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
