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Is it possible that the Canaanites actually stooped that low? More importantly, was there really a chance that the sons of Avraham, people described as merciful, shy, and full of kindness, could embark on such a path?
If we take a look at p’sukim throughout Tanach, we indeed see that not only did the seven nations and the descendants of Lot commit the heinous crime of killing their own children, but even members of our own nation did so. We will prove this claim based on two sources.
The first is related to the account of King Yehoshafat of the Kingdom of Judea, who helped King Yehoram of the Kingdom of Israel put down the rebellion of King Meisha of Moav. The aftermath of the battle is described as follows: "The King of Moav saw that the battle was beyond his strength … and he took his oldest son, who was to rule after him, and brought him as a sacrifice on the wall, and there was great anger at Israel, and they left him and returned to their place" (Melachim II, 3:26-7). There are many opinions as to what happened, as Rav and Shmuel (Sanhedrin 39b) argued as to whether Meisha brought his son as a sacrifice to Hashem or to idolatry. Regarding the anger against Bnei Yisrael, the gemara explains that if Meisha sacrificed for idolatry, the anger at Bnei Yisrael was that some of them had done the same.
In Sefer Yeshaya, within the prophecies of consolation, there are p’sukim that illustrate how drastic the deterioration reached at the time of King Menasheh (Yeshaya 57:3-7). The p’sukim speak of bringing objectionable sacrifices and of slaughtering the children under the trees along the streams. Although the words are difficult to translate (and so, we did not try to present them in this forum), it is hard to deny that the p’sukim refer to the exact phenomenon that we initially wondered if it could occur within our nation.
Let us summarize the situation as follows. Bnei Yisrael are the chosen and beloved of Hashem and are referred to as "the holy flock" and a "light unto the nations." Yet, as great as their level, so is the magnitude of the spiritual fall that they can experience. Let us make our efforts that we make continuous strides in the proper direction.
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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)
