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The haftara’s "heading" dates it as having taken place in the year that King Uziyah died. However, Rashi, based on the Targum, explains that the death refers to his affliction with leprosy, which is compared to death. Divrei Hayamim (II, 26:16-19) tells how Uziyah haughtily entered the Beit Hamikdash to offer incense (he was not a kohen), for which he was punished with leprosy. Also, the navi, Amos, apparently made his last recorded prophecy at that time. He began to prophesy two years before "the earthquake" (Amos 1:1) and his last prophecy mentions the earthquake. Finally, the prophecy of our haftara, including the words, "the pillars of the doorposts swayed from the noise of the caller, and the house was filled with smoke" (Yeshaya 6:4) took place on the day of the earthquake (Seder Rabba 20).
This earthquake made a deep impression on the mindset of generations of Jerusalemites. Zecharia, a navi during the Persian period, hundreds of years later, used it to describe the events of the day of the future geula. "On that day, My feet will stand on the Mount of Olives … the mountain will be split … and you will flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uziyah" (Zecharia 14: 4-5). It is interesting that both Amos and Yeshaya, in the context of discussing the earthquake, also mention another natural calamity- great waves of sea water that crash into the coast, washing out places of inhabitation (see Yeshaya 5:8 and Amos (5: 25-30).
Our parasha’s revelation at Har Sinai took place in the context of the giving of the Torah. This raised Bnei Yisrael and, as a result, the whole world to a new spiritual level and presented us with the challenge to improve the world by having it accept Divine Dominion. The Ten Commandments light the way for a Jew no matter where he goes. Yeshaya, whose revelation was a continuation of that at Sinai, spoke of world peace, with Yerushalayim serving as the spiritual center of a united world. Amos completed his prophecy with a call for social morality, a call that mankind has not yet succeeded in implementing.
We are not on the level to understand how Hashem runs His world and are still shocked by the terrible tragedy that struck the shores of the Indian Ocean. With the proper humility appropriate for these times, we pray for the renewal of prophecy and improvement of the world, based on Divine Revelations that have enriched the world, from the giving of the Ten Commandments on.
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)
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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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.
