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Simha bat Hana
The Ramban (ad loc.) explains that Bnei Yisrael heard and believed the good news of their impending liberation. The shortcoming was that the news failed to change their spirit. The Ramban compares the "short breath" to a suffering, sick person who is given treatment that will heal him, but he still cannot bear to live in the pain he is experiencing. Thoughts of a rosy future have difficulty breaking through his present state of mind. The "hard work," he explains, does not allow a person "to hear something and think about it." What is the difference between the two elements that prevent a person from being comforted by the forecast of a brighter future?
The first element is emotional. Sometimes someone is understandably not in the mood to be encouraged. He cannot just "snap out" of his anguish at the drop of a hat even with the best of news. However, there is a second element of thought. If one has time to think about the prospects for the future, his mind can gradually impact on his mood. In this case, Bnei Yisrael did not have the opportunity to begin the slower, mind-based process of thinking about that which they were told.
But the question begs: if Bnei Yisrael could not appreciate what they were told, why tell them? Many answers can be given, but let us concentrate on one that applies to us. The promise of a brighter future was designed not only for its "audience" at the time but for Jews throughout history to read, recite, and cherish. When our nation was in some of the darkest, most hopeless of times, we could remind ourselves that geula might be around the corner. When our heart’s first response was to discount the hope because of the depths of despair, the Torah’s response was that there were other times when Bnei Yisrael found it difficult to hope, but the geula did come. Borrowing the Ramban’s comparison, it is like a robust survivor of a terrible disease visiting the ward of sufferers. That can be more comforting than a doctor’s favorable prognosis.
This message can be useful in our times, when we feel the real pain of a not yet complete geula within the context of a geula process that has already begun to unfold. Not only in the national realm, but also in the personal one, many of us experience understandable fear, frustration, and outright pain, whether physical or emotional in origin. We should take the time to allow the positive turn of events of these parashiyot to help raise our spirits.
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)
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.
