YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- D'varim
- Ki Tavo
Soon after this section, the Torah takes a sharp turn, moving to the very harsh section of the rebuke and presentation of the curses the nation could incur for sinful behavior. One of the sins is "because you did not serve Hashem, your G-d, with happiness and a good heart, from an abundance of all" (Devarim 28:47). Rashi explains that, having so much, it is sinful to not have hakarat hatov (appreciation for the good one receives).
Rav Meir Simcha of Dvinsk opened our eyes with observations on the matter of bikkurim. He points out that in this section of our parasha,Hashem’s main name appears thirteen times and that right after the Torah’s mention of the thirteen attributes of mercy (Shemot 34:6-7), the Torah commands us to bring bikkurim (ibid. 26). This indicates that the matter of forgiveness, which the thirteen attributes highlights, is connected to bikkurim, which is not only about bringing the fruits but about expressing our gratitude to Hashem at that time. Hashem’s main name is based around the idea of His mercy and kindness. This had to be included in the world in order for it to survive, as without mercy, we are too sinful to escape the wrath we deserve. In fact, that Name is repeated twice at the beginning of the thirteen attributes, and thegemara tells us that there is a special assurance that the saying of these attributes will never be without positive effect. That is tremendous kindness.
This is the reason that at this time of year (Elul and until Yom Kippur) we say "L’David, Hashem ori" (Tehillim 27) daily. The psalm begins with the Name, Hashem, which, the gemara (ibid.) explains, refers to Hashem being the same before a person sins and after he has both sinned and done repentance. In that psalm, Hashem’s Name actually appears thirteen times.
This teaches us a few things. The basis for our being worthy of Hashem’s kindness is our ability to have hakarat hatov, which is the most fundamental part of our spiritual life. There are no good attributes without that one, and no spiritual building can stand without it. Also, Hashem’s goodness is the basis for Creation, which is why the ability for us to repent existed from before the world was created. That ability must be in place before the sin, and all of this is included in Hashem’s main name. There is no repentance without recognizing Hashem’s goodness.
At this time of year, when the kindness of being able to repent gives us hope going into these upcoming High Holy Days, we should remember to thank Hashem for all the good He has and continues to give us every day and every hour.
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
