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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Yaakov Ben Behora
Many commentaries (including the Netziv) explain that Avraham was saying that he did not rely on the morality of the people of G’rar, because it was not based on proper values. When social justice is based on humanistic conviction to do the right thing, but is not rooted in fear of Heaven, it is easily overcome by the Yetzer Hara (Evil Inclination). While accepting this premise, one cannot help but notice that there are religious people who succumb to their inclinations and sin and there are irreligious people who overcome theirs, at least in regard to matters in which they believe. Would Avimelech have accepted a claim that because he did not share Avraham’s belief in Elokim can be explained in a related but slightly different way than one might think. In several places in Sefer Vayikra, the Torah concludes a commandment with the phrase, "v’yareita mei’Elokecha," you shall fear your G-d." Rashi explains several times (see 19:14) that this is a warning to one who might violate a mitzva with some sort of excuse. "I gave bad advice, but I thought it was the best thing for him." "I didn’t stand up for the sage, because I didn’t see him." The Torah tells us that one should fear Hashem, who knows what his true intentions are.
After understanding this phrase, the following explanation of Avraham’s claim becomes plausible. Avimelech asked Avraham: "What did you see that you did this thing?" (Bereishit 20:10). Did you ever see my people kill someone to steal his property or take his wife? Apparently, Avraham had to admit that he did not see it. But, said Avraham, although I did not see senseless murder, maybe Hashem did. Maybe there were executions of criminals who really were killed on trumped up charges for malicious reasons. And maybe Sarah’s husband would be the next on line. Therefore, although outwardly, G’rar was a just society, Avraham had reason to fear that it was just missing yirat Elokim, and murders and sins were committed secretly and/or with a variety of "justifications."
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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)
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)
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
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
