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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Chukat
Later, we read of the death of Miriam, in whose merit the nation received Mayim Chayim, pure water, throughout the many years in the desert. Then Moshe & Ahron are punished at Mei M’riva. When Moshe strikes the rock, he angers Hashem (who had ordered him to speak to the rock), resulting in the demise of Moshe’s dream to enter Eretz Yisrael along with the nation. Finally, Ahron dies on Rosh Chodesh Av. A cloud of gloom, it seems, envelops this Sedra.
But another incident, later in the parsha, starts to bring life back to Am Yisrael. The people again complain; lamenting that there is a shortage of food & water, even expressing dissatisfaction with the Mahn, which they call, "Lechem Ha’k’lo’kayl," the bread that spoils (after 1 day). In response, G-d sends "fiery serpents" which bite & kill many people. They then ask Moshe to pray for them & save them, & he erects a pole with a copper snake atop it; all who look upon the snake are miraculously cured.
What exactly is going on here? How can one snake cure the bite of another? What was the nature of the people’s problem, & how could a snake – of all creatures – solve it?
I suggest the following: The snake is, literally, the lowest of all creatures. It represents the low self-esteem from which the nation suffered, perhaps as a lingering effect of their many years in slavery. The cure for low self-esteem is forming a connection to Hashem, who created us & whose faith in us gives our lives meaning, purpose & pride.
When the people looked up towards the copper snake, towards the Heavens, they again sensed their bond with G-d, thus restoring their sense of self-value as a Chosen People.
Furthermore, the nachash convinced Chava to sin in Gan Eden by pushing her into the tree of knowledge, by "pushing" her away from Hashem. Once she & Adam sinned, they became ashamed, their self-esteem was shattered and their "glow" diminished. Sin causes us to lower our heads in shame; but obeying G-d lifts up our gaze in confidence & heightens our stature.
The people asked Moshe: "V’yasar may’aleynu et hanachash," remove "the snake" from inside us. Just as one is injected with the flu virus in order to overcome it; just as the ashes of a dead cow serve to restore life back to a tainted person, so focusing on the disease - the serpent of low self-esteem - can help to overcome it & provide spiritual healing.
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)
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
