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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Shabbat and Holidays
- The High Holidays
- Rosh Hashana
What about Rosh Hashana? The Torah says nothing specific about the day’s significance, other than listing several special korbanot (fewer than any other yearly holiday) and the fact that there are some "horn blasts" or related remembrance. Chazal, of course, uncover the great significance. Rosh Hashana commemorates the creation of the world, and it is the day on which all of mankind is judged on a yearly basis (Mishna, Rosh Hashana 1:2). Yet, if we think about it again, we should wonder if there is any national element to this important day. All of mankind was created, and all of mankind is judged! Yet, we are the only ones who are commanded to commemorate the day. Do we or do we not have a special connection to the day?
One of the best ways of answering the question is by looking at the special berachot of Musaf of Rosh Hashana, which is a text that is paralleled only by the Haggada of Pesach in providing a framework for understanding the day. The first beracha, Malchuyot, is quite universalistic in talking about the need for the whole world to "coronate" Hashem in the broadest sense. Yet, it also discusses how a prominentAm Yisrael is a tool to bring this about. The beracha concludes "… King over all the land, Who sanctifies Israel and the Day of Remembrance." The second beracha, Zichronot, is also a mix of the universalistic, invoking the story of Noach, and national, discussing Avraham’s binding of Yitzchak and the resulting covenant. It ends off "… He Who remembers the covenant". The third beracha, Shofarot, is the one which clearly focuses on Israel, as we are the ones who communicate with Hashem with the shofar, starting with Hashem using it at Sinai and with our praising Him with it. The beracha concludes "… Who hears the sound of the blasts of His nation, Israel, with mercy."
We summarize as follows. Rosh Hashana is important for the whole world. However, the opportunity and obligation to act on it by means of a specific set of commemorations, with the shofar standing above all others, is reserved for us. Since the other nations do not have that, they are less likely to gain significantly from the day, which is balanced by the fact but they are not responsible or culpable for failing to do so. "Fortunate is the nation which knows the blasts."
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)
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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
