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One of the biggest questions in the analysis of the Chumash is whether the mitzvot of the Mishkan and the korbanot came about as a result of the Chet Haegel or whether they were always intended to be part and parcel of our religious lives. However, everyone agrees that the Korban Pesach was always central to our nation’s religious life. Korban Pesach and brit mila are the two mitzvot upon which, says the midrash (Shemot Rabba, Bo 17), liberation relied. The navi’s metaphorical description of Bnei Yisrael’s emergence as worthy for liberation states, "And I said to you: ‘In your blood shall you live.’ And I said to you: ‘In your blood shall you live’" (Yechezkel 16:6). The midrash says that this refers to the blood of Korban Pesach and of brit mila.
Korban Pesach is unique in that it is the only korban brought by the individual (albeit, many individuals) that is not offered as a result of a specific event that occurred to him, whether positive or negative. We note also that Korban Pesach and brit mila are the only two positive commandments for which one who does not fulfill it is due the severe punishment of karet.
Let us look at the question of the "wicked son" about Korban Pesach: "And it shall be, should your sons say to you: ‘What is this service to you?’ And you shall say: ‘It is the Pesach feast to Hashem who passed over the houses of Bnei Yisrael …’" (Shemot 12:26-27). We have explained elsewhere that this question casts aspersions on the concept of renewing the covenant with Hashem. Jewish parents renew the covenant when they accept to raise their child as a member of the covenantal nation from the time of his brit on the eighth day of his life. The child accepts his own responsibility to Hashem when he becomes bar mitzva, becoming a servant to Hashem and a free man in relation to people. The wicked son, who questions this process, removes himself from the collective of people who willingly enter the covenant.
The Torah refers to the three other sons (with their questions or that which they are told), using singular, whereas for the wicked son, plural is used. What is the significance of this difference?
Etrogs (which represent the religious elite) tend to separate themselves from the other "species" in society. Understand their motivation – they want to protect their level and that of those closest to them from bad influences. They do it for a noble cause, to make sure that there will remain a high spiritual level within the nation.
At the seder night they receive the hint that it is time to "recalculate route." The great majority of our nation are not etrogs, and Korban Pesach does not interest the aravot (the lowest on the religious totem pole), who correlate to the wicked son. There are many such people, says the Torah. The Rabbis exhort us not to break the connection with this part of the nation. Rather, we must continue to invite them to our table, hear what is on their mind, and relate the Pesach story to them on some level. Let us remember, in our times, to unite with all the sections of our nation, even as we do not hide that there are real differences between us.
Igrot Hare’aya Refuting Criticism by the Ridbaz – #311 – part IV
Date and Place: 19 Sivan 5670 (1910), Yafo
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)
