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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Beha'alotcha
While most of the occasions are clear, the "happy day" is not. It is hard to say that it is referring to holidays because those are mentioned immediately thereafter. There are midrashim that attribute it to Yom Kippur, as we are happy to receive atonement, or Shabbat, which precedes the moadim whenever these days are discussed together (Parashat Emor and Parashat Pinchas). While these are extremely important days, we do not usually find the word simcha in their context.
The Netziv and Meshech Chochma say that it refers to the inaugurations of the Temples, whether it be the Mishkan in the desert or the dedications of the Batei Hamikdash. This is, of course, a very joyous occasion, and we do find that the gemara (Taanit 26b) says that the pasuk about Shlomo’s "day of his marriage and the day of the happiness of his heart" (Shir Hashirim 3:11) refers to the giving of the Torah and the building of the Beit Hamikdash, respectively.
The Ibn Ezra presents a very logical explanation. The day of joy is the day of victory in battle. Although the Netziv argues that we never find religious or political leaders in Tanach calling "days of happiness" after successful battle, the Ibn Ezra pointed out that we do find simcha in Tanach regarding Purim and the seven days of celebration that King Chizkiyahu called when the people of Yerushalayim were saved from Sancheriv’s troops (Divrei Hayamim II:30:23).
According to the Ibn Ezra, the juxtaposition works out beautifully. The pasuk just described blowing beseeching teruot with the trumpets before the war. The next pasuk goes on to mention the blowing of celebratory tekiot after the victory, which was aided by the trumpets ("… and you will be remembered before Hashem your Lord and you will be saved from your enemies" (Bamidbar 10:9).
The Chizkuni says that Hashem remembers, when Bnei Yisrael blow at the time of trouble, that they also blow when bringing sacrifices on holidays. According to the Ibn Ezra’s approach, this message rings especially clearly. Hashem realizes when we turn at the time of trouble that we will not forget, when we are successful, to thank Hashem for his Divine Providence that made the salvation possible (hopefully, this is the case). This, of course, is a lesson to remember in all generations, especially the last couple of generations, which have seen more successes in battle than we have seen in millennia.
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
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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.
