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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
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Rashi asks why it was necessary for the lamb to be held for 4 full days! One approach: This was an act of great courage, an "in-your-face" act of faith; as we boldly took the Egyptian god & openly slaughtered it, without fear of the Egyptians.
Rashi also quotes the navi Yechezkel: "I (G-d) passed over you. I saw that this was a time of loving; yet you were bare & naked." Hashem wanted to liberate us, but we lacked the Mitzvot that would give us sufficient merit. And so He gave us two "bloody" commandments:
the blood of Brit Mila & the blood of the Korban Pesach. With those "bloods" to our credit, we merited redemption.
Over the last few months – or is it the last many years?! – the Jewish People, particularly in Israel, has been confronted with fearsome challenges. Hardly a day goes by when we do not read about – or personally witness or even experience, G-d forbid – some outrage perpetrated upon us, simply because we are Jews. The latest "knife intifada," where barbaric Palestinians look to stab whoever they
may encounter, has been particularly unnerving.
Through it all, we have shown amazing bravery & steadfastness. Though there is blood - our blood – upon many of our door-posts, we do not capitulate or collapse; we go forward. Though we eat our sumptuous meals at times with "poor bread" or bitter herbs, we do not despair.
I suggest that we, at this juncture of our history, are within those very "four days of safeguarding." We are stockpiling Mitzvot in huge amounts, maintaining our morality, our dignity, our perseverance in the face of an immoral world that sees everything upside-down. A world, alas, that is not far removed from the depraved Egyptians.
But the moment of deliverance is near at hand; the banquet is coming, its aroma already fills the air like that lamb-roast of old. Soon there will be fulfilled the pasuk from Zecharya: "By virtue of the blood of your covenant I freed you from the pit." Our destiny will not be denied; we
have paid dearly for it. And so, as we declare at every Brit: "B’damayich chayi’i;" in our bloods we shall live. Eternally.
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?
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
