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Shimcha Bat Hana
The original Chashmonaim of Chanuka fame put their lives on the line in what strategically must have been considered a suicidal war in a situation where religiously they had little or no viable alternative. They trusted in Hashem and were victorious, gaining freedom for the nation and stopping religious persecution. Hashem rewarded them with a miracle, the longevity of a little, pure oil. Although the miracle’s practical ramifications appear limited, it has served as a sign of love and a reminder that as important as physical efforts are, ultimately all success is a Divine miracle. The Chashmonaim’s dynasty did not maintain success in finding the right balance between doing what is politically prudent and clinging to a full belief in Hashem. As the Ramban (Bereishit 32:4) points out, they precipitated our fall into the Roman hands that destroyed our Temple by making treaties with the Romans that invited their control over the Jewish commonwealth.
The Ramban hints at the extreme difficulty in finding the right balance beween natural pragmatism and belief in Hashem in his treatment of Yaakov’s approach toward his evil, powerful brother. After praising Yaakov’s three-pronged strategy of prayer, appeasement and readiness to fight as a model for future Jewish behavior, he criticizes Yaakov’s overture as a premature one, which was the precursor to the aforementioned Chashmonaic failure.
In this week’s parasha we find Yosef waiting two years to be taken out of jail because he put too much faith in the Sar Hamashkim’s ability to save him. Indeed, the Sar Hamashkim did end up being the vehicle for his extrication from jail, but not in the time frame and manner he anticipated. It was apparently not that the fact that Yosef made efforts was fundamentally wrong. Rather, something about the balance between his approach and the deep belief in Hashem’s control of everything was less than was expected of such a great tzaddik.
It is hard to expect that we can figure out an exact formula for choosing between practical actions we take in the natural world and the degree to which we rely on Divine Providence. But we find an instructive, complex approach in our parasha (43: 11-14). Upon sending Binyamin to the perils of Egypt, Yaakov prepares naturally with gifts, turns to Hashem to bless the efforts, and prepares himself psychologically and theologically for either a favorable or a tragic Divine Judgment. We would do well to study these (and other p’sukim) well.
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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)
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)
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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
