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The structure of seven days followed by a critical eighth day is one that we find in several places in the Torah. We have seven days leading up to the brit mila on day eight. Shemini Atzeret is celebrated after seven days of Sukkot. The holiday of Shavuot is in the beginning of the eighth week after the seven weeks of sefira. We would also like to connect this to the Shemitta year. After seven years of the Shemitta cycle are repeated seven times, the Torah calls for the special year of Yovel.
Let us return to the Seven Days of Miluim. Just as the world was created in six days plus the seventh day of Shabbat, which completed creation, so too the Mishkan and the kohanim were prepared during seven days. So too, during six years of work and a seventh of sanctification, a parallel cycle is set. A landowner sanctifies himself by relinquishing his full rights of ownership, rights to debts, and involvement in his regular material-based lifestyle.
Let us try to take a deeper look at the concept of kedusha, which we usually translate as sanctity. While the main focus is usually on something that is separated from others, in our parasha we see another focus. The offerings from the special ram that were brought during the miluim are said to be sanctified, which is accompanied with the description of the process of the kohen taking these animal parts in his hands and raising and waving them (Shemot 29:24-27). A similar process is found in regard to Aharon’s raising and waving of the Levi’im, who needed to be sanctified (Bamidbar 8:11-15).
This is not a simple physical act. Rather, lifting and waving are representative of the spiritual uplifting that must accompany sanctification, whether it has to with the Mishkan or the sanctity of Shemitta. We want a Mikdash that will expose us to kedusha and inspire us towards our own kedusha. (The korbanot have a different nature, of connecting and drawing closer, but that is for a discussion on a different occasion.) We want to make use of the Shemitta experiences, which enable us to also separate ourselves from simple physicality. May we merit, with the help of everything that is kadosh within Torah and mitzvot, to be elevated ourselves.
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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)
