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Simha bat Hana
If any other nation had gone through what we did, they would have assimilated and disappeared. Indeed, a number of nations that rose to greatness after Israel have disappeared and nothing remains of them: Moab, Amon, Aram, Philistine, Kasdim, Median, Persia, Greece, and many more. The King of the Khazars acknowledges all of this, and the Rabbi continues to explain: what element is it that keeps the Jewish people going under all circumstances? Answer: the covenant which God made with the Jewish people. In fact, God entered into four covenants with Israel.
The first was the covenant of circumcision, as it is written, "My covenant shall be on your skin as an eternal pact." Second, the Sabbath, for the Sabbath too was given as an indication on a covenant, as it is written, "For it is a sign between Myself and you for your generations." In addition, it is written, "The children of Israel kept the Sabbath...an eternal covenant between Myself and the children of Israel, an eternal sign."
Foundations of Faith (51)
Rabbi Zalman Baruch Melamed
32 - 32. Israel's Plight in the Exile
33 - 33. God's Covenants with the Jewish People
34 - 34. The Jewish People's Extensive Suffering
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Therefore, it has never been possible to liken us to a "dead" nation, even when we had reached the most terrible depths. We could not be considered dead, but we could have been compared to a mortally sick person, afflicted with tuberculosis, a patient whom all of the doctors have given up hope of curing. The doctors gave up hope but the patient still believes that he will be miraculously cured.
This is reminiscent of the miracle regarding which the verse states, "These bones will come to life," or like the allegory mentioned by Isaiah the Prophet, "Behold, my servant shall prosper" (Isaiah 52:13). There the prophet describes the terrible situation of the Jewish people who are overcome with despair as a result of the exile. The prophet likewise describes the inconceivable redemption that is to follow.
According to Isaiah (ch. 53), Israel "has no form nor comeliness" - it is impossible to gaze upon him because of his strange and repulsive appearance. "He was despised and rejected of men; a man of pains and acquainted with sickness, and we hid as it were our faces from him. He was despised and we esteemed him not."
Yet, this despised and rejected person... "behold, my servant shall prosper. He shall be exalted and extolled." And just as they stood gazing mercifully and despairingly upon Israel in this downtrodden state, so will they be amazed and not believe their eyes when they witness Israel's future exaltation in redemption. Then it will be known to all that Israel's suffering had an important role in the rectification of the world: "But in truth he has born our sickness and endured our pains. Yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted."
This is what the Rabbi had to say to the King of the Khazars regarding the secret of Jewish survival.
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)
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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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)
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: 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)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
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
