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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Shmot
- Ki Tisa
Ki Tisa is a veritable cholent of a sedra, with so many seemingly diverse topics, including: The census; Shabbat, the 13 Midot; the Luchot; Bikurim (first fruits); Pidyon Haben &, of course, the epochal saga of the Golden Calf. Do they all somehow connect with each other?
The parsha begins with the commandment to hold a census. We are told, several times, that the giving of the ½ shekel by each individual
(via which the people were counted) was an "atonement for the soul." How, exactly, did this atonement work?
The Hebrew word usually used for atonement is "Kaper" or "Kapara," as in "Yom HaKipurim." But that same root, KPR, also can mean "covering," as in the word "kaporet," the ark-cover (also mentioned in our sedra). The connection: Any act which we perform, any Mitzva that we do, brings us closer to Hashem & provides our souls with a protective cover, just as body armor protects our physical bodies.
Prior to receiving the Torah & its 613 Mitzvot, the primary – if not the only – qualification of being a loyal Jew was a belief in One G-d. When we substituted for Hashem & worshipped the calf – interestingly called (32:8) an "Egel Masecha," a calf with a cover, or mask - we violated that all-important belief, & so our "cover" was removed. This is what Moshe meant when he said we were "exposed;" there are few worse fates than death by exposure.
To symbolize the removal of the cover, we were told (33:5) to remove our jewelry, the symbol of our status as Chosen People.
But all was not lost. Moshe argues strenuosly on our behalf & he receives new Luchot. He instructs us to "re-dress" ourselves through the performance of key, basic Mitzvot: Tzedaka (i.e. the half-shekel); Shabbat; Teshuva (whose code words are the 13 Midot) the Chagim; the offerings in the Mishkan. In this way, we can once again gain Divine protection & blessing. We can re-affirm that we are His firstborn, as symbolized by the Bikurim & the Pidyon ha-Ben ceremonies.
Consider: In Jewish life, many of the ritual objects we use have a cover. Tefilin, Mezuza, a Sefer Torah, the Aron are covered. Challa on Shabbat, Matza at the Seder, the Shofar on Rosh Hashana are covered. This is not just a coincidence. We are being subtly informed that holiness is not naked; it wears a protective cover & shield.
The holiest object of all is our soul, our neshama. It is constantly being exposed to danger: Greed, lust, envy, apathy, jealousy, anger, disillusionment swirl around us. Our only hope to avoid infection is to "cover up" by donning the Mitzvot. They’re the best way to stay warm - & safe.
Rabbi Stewart Weiss
Was ordained at the Hebrew Theological College in Skokie, Illinois, and led congregations in Chicago and Dallas prior to making Aliyah in 1992. He directs the Jewish Outreach Center in Ra'anana, helping to facilitate the spiritual absorption of new olim.
Jewish Laws and Thoughts Shul “etiquette:” can we honor Hashem while respecting our fellow congregants?
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
