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Beit Midrash
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We can see this sense of appreciation all throughout the Hagada: In the song Dayenu, when we catalogue all the various steps from slavery to redemption; in Tefilot such as Hallel, or Hodu L’Hashem Ki Tov - "Praise G-d for He is good"; or essentially ALL the songs in the closing section of the Seder. This sentiment is perhaps best summed when we raise our glass in a toast to the Almighty (L’fichach….") and we say:
"It is our duty to thank, praise, laud, glorify, exalt, honor, bless, raise high and acclaim the One who performed all these miracles for our ancestors, and for us."
And yet, I wonder: If G-d loves us so much, why did we have to wander through the desert for 40 years? Why were we not taken directly from Egypt into Israel? Hadn’t we suffered enough during more than a century of cruel oppression? Didn’t the 10 Plagues convince us that
Hashem takes extra special care of us, and loves us?
Rav Shimshon Refael Hirsch brilliantly addresses this issue: True, he says, the Exodus undeniably demonstrated to the people that
G-d protects us in times of crisis. But what about in our day-to-day existence? Is Hashem with us then, too?
In a way, says Rav Hirsch, this is a much more crucial area. For if Man is left alone to provide sustenance for his family, he will never be satisfied, never be satiated. He will always worry, "Do I have enough for today, and also tomorrow? And what about the needs of my children, and my grandchildren? How can I vouchsafe THEIR future, too?" Under this constant pressure, Man would be trapped in a "wilderness of social competition" lasting far beyond just 40 years, an endless anxiety that would occupy most of his time & energy.
Therefore, G-d led His people into the desert, a harsh environment that offered no opportunity for employment or self-sufficiency. There, G-d provided us with Manna from heaven each day, training us over the course of 4 decades to rely on Him, and be secure in the knowledge that even when we did not know what tomorrow will bring – a premise symbolized by the Mahn, which, after all, lasted for only 1 day – we could be confident He would provide for us & be our faithful partner in parnasa.
The trust this built up in us filled us with wonder, even as we wandered, and sustained us then - and now.
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)
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)
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
