YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Vayikra
- Behar
In explaining the mitzva of yovel, the Torah says that the Land will not be sold for eternity and finishes up that this is related to the concept that we are "foreigners and citizens with Me" (Vayikra 25:23). The connection to "with Me" appears to be as follows: If you treat Me like one who fully belongs, then you fully belong; if you treat Me as an outsider, you too will be like outsiders.
The idea is that in the mitzvot of shemitta and, especially, yovel the element of recognizing heavenly dominion is particularly prominent. It is that which makes us deserving inhabitants of the Land. This is because in order for us to have dominion over the Land from a human perspective, we must be fully cognizant of the fact that it is Hashem and no other who has the ultimate ownership of the Land. "For the earth and everything that is in it is Hashem’s" (Tehillim 24:1). This is the reason that the Torah starts with the story of Genesis and not with "Hachodesh hazeh," the first mitzva that Bnei Yisrael were commanded nationally, which would be appropriate, since the stories of nations begin with their independence.
Hashem chose for us a land that is the nerve center of the world. This is described in the pasuk, "The land which Hashem is interested in. Constantly Hashem’s eyes are in it, from the beginning of the year until its end" (Devarim 11:12). Now we can understand the connection between shemitta and Sinai, where, the Torah stresses, that mitzva was given. "The strength of His actions He told to His nation, to give to them the land that is the lot of the nations" (Tehillim 111:6). This is the secret that Hashem created the world with a statement made by "His mouth." The whole world exists due to the spiritual element. Therefore, the connection to the Land comes specifically by stressing the fact we are connected to it to the extent to which Hashem grants it to us ("we are foreigners and citizens").
This last pasuk is surprising, in that it refers to the Land as "that which is the lot of nations." Is Eretz Yisrael the lot of the nations? Isn’t it our lot? There is a deep meaning here. The vision for Bnei Yisrael is the vision of the End of Days, when "all those who inhabit the world will recognize and know Hashem." Such an era can be ushered in only when the Kingdom of Israel will be the Kingdom of the Heaven.
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)
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)
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
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.
