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The city Tirtza was located on the eastern slopes of the Shomron region, in the land of the Tribe of Menashe, from whom the sisters came. Yerovam ben Nevat, first king of the separatist Kingdom ofIsrael, made it his capital. How that decision came about is complicated.
Yerovam became king of the Ten Tribes in the historical capital of the Shomron, Shechem. Shechem was already an ancient city in the time of the Patriarchs, and Yaakov bought a plot of land there upon his return from Aram (Bereishit 33:19). Shechem is located on the border between the sections of the two sons of Yosef, Ephrayim and Menashe (see Yehoshua 17), as Yerushalayim is on the border of Yehuda and Binyamin. Shechem was prominent as the venue of the acceptance of the covenant upon entering Eretz Yisrael at the time of Yehoshua, an event with similarities to the acceptance of the Torah on Sinai (see Yehoshua 24: 24-25).
Along this backdrop, we can certainly understand the beginning of the following pasuk, but are left puzzled by its end: "Yerovam built Shechem on the Mountain of Ephrayim, and he settled there, and he left there and built Penuel" (Melachim I, 12:25). Why did Yerovam forsake his historical capital? Further study of Melachim shows that at the end of his reign, Yerovam built up another city to be his capital – Tirtza. We find this out indirectly. Yerovam’s son Avihu fell deathly ill. Yerovam sent his disguised wife to Achiya Hashiloni to find out his fate. The prophet knew her secret and told her that Avihu would die. As the queen returned to the palace – in Tirtza – the lad died (ibid. 14:17). Thus, the new capital, with the palace, was in Tirtza, as we continue to see over a significant period thereafter.
Prof. Yehuda Elitzur has an interesting theory to explain the chain of events. Upon founding the alternative Kingdom of Israel, Yerovam naturally turned to Shechem as the capital. However, soon thereafter, Paroh Shishak of Egypt came with demands on Yerovam to pay up forEgypt’s support of the Israelite rebels. He demanded of Yerovam to open war on his brethren from the Kingdom of Yehuda. When Yerovam refused to wage a fratricidal war, Shishak attacked him and destroyed tens of cities, including the capital Shechem. In need of refuge and a new capital, Yerovam built Penuel, in the relatively distant eastern bank of the Jordan, on the slopes of the Gilad. Only after many years did the Egyptian pressure subside, enabling him to set up his capital on the western side of Israel, in the Shomron. He made Tirtza his capital, which it remained until the days of Omri. Apparently, the merit of the matriarch of sorts – Tirtza – stood up for her in the form of the city that bore her name.
A year ago, our nation was exposed, under tragic circumstances, to modern day female role models of love of the land and the nation and of bravery, along with love for their children. Rachel Frankel, Bat Galim Sheyer, and Iris Yifrach taught a unity which will hopefully keep us away from the disunity that caused the split in the nation at the time of Yerovam.
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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
