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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
שמחה בת חנה
The Midrash Aggada says that since Yosef was a king and Yehuda was a king, it was proper to send one king before another. The Midrash Hagdol says that since Yehuda had started with the mitzva of approaching Yosef, when pleading for Binyamin’s life, he should continue the mitzva. These explanations put the stress on the encounter between Yehuda, head of the delegation, and Yosef, the delegation’s host. Midrash Rabba, cited by Rashi, seems to take a different approach. It says that Yehuda had a specific task, to set up an academy for the study and teaching of Torah. What this approach does not explain is the choice of Yehuda. Isn’t it Levi (Devarim 33:10) and Shimon (Rashi on Bereishit 49:7) who are in charge of Torah education?
There need not be a contradiction between the explanations we have cited. Yehuda represented the Jewish people’s leadership and the initiative to accomplish daunting tasks for mitzva’s sake. He was, therefore, called upon to prepare and build the school system, which may have been staffed by his brothers. For fundamental, not only technical reasons, it is crucial that lay leaders take an active role in building Torah institutions. Torah centers cannot be seen as secluded ivory towers, of interest to the spiritual elite alone. The Yehudas of the world need to demonstrate that their leadership begins by ensuring that Torah flourishes and that those efforts are the foundation for the rest of their leadership responsibilities.
But we have still not explained Yosef’s role in this effort. One can say that he just provided the governmental approval for the building sites, but I believe that the answer is deeper. Yehuda represented leadership in the more insular community that the family had known and would someday know again. But as they approached the challenge of building a Torah center in Egypt, which could teach the developing nation how to implement eternal truths in new environs, Yehuda had to draw inspiration and learn strategies of how to survive in Egypt from Yosef. Yosef, who was able to apply the teachings of his father, the shepherd, to the halachic and moral dilemmas he faced as the ruler of the ancient world’s superpower, was the perfect advisor to Yehuda. Yet, in the final analysis, it was Yehuda who carried out the work with Yosef’s blessing and tutelage.
This ancient "triple thread" of Yosef, Yehuda, and Levi demonstrates the multi-faceted challenges of developing and running a Torah institution according to the needs of the time and the place. May all of the modern-day implementers of this lesson be successful in their holy tasks.
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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)
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)
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
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
