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Rashi, quoting the Talmud (Megilla 29b), points out that the half shekalim contributed by those eligible to be counted were used to fashion the foundation sockets which secured the planks surrounding the Mishkan. In explaining verse 3: "And this is what every one shall pay...a half shekel....," Rashi quotes Midrash Tanhuma, which says that God showed Moshe a coin of fire, directing him that "this" is what should be given in the forthcoming census. Throughout his commentary on the Torah, Rashi tries to distill the peshat - the plain meaning of the verse. It may be asked: How does Rashi's comment on this verse illuminate our understanding of the text?
An anonymous commentator in the 19th century raises a question about the aforementioned midrash: Why did the Almighty show Moshe a "coin of fire," rather than a fiery metal coin? This commentator explains that God was not instructing Moshe about the coin itself, but rather describing the state of mind that should accompany the giving. Being counted as part of Clal Yisrael involves a lot more than simply paying one's financial obligations to the community. When one is privileged to be counted, the giver of the coin has to ask "what does this payment really demand of me." The "coin of fire" represents the zeal that must accompany the performance of the tasks that devolve upon us as members of the community.
In today's world, Aliya to Israel is the paradigm of the fiery coin. Aliya requires a steadfastness of purpose, an unyieling zealous commitment and a clear sense of mission in order to join those who are valiently striving to realize in our time the fulfillment of Jewish destiny.
Rabbi Mordechai Spiegelman, a resident of Jerusalem, previously served in the United States as a congregational rabbi, yeshivah principal and director of the Department of Yeshivot at the Board of Jewish Education of Greater New York. He presently teaches a weekly Torah class at the Seymour J. Abrams Orthodox Union Jerusalem World Center.
He and his wife made Aliya in 1997. Four of their five children and their families preceded them
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)
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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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
