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- Chemdat Yamim
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The expression "Shema Yisrael (Hear, Israel)," which we use morning and night to introduce our acceptance of the yoke of the Heavenly Kingdom, has turned into a symbol of Jewish life. Every Jewish child, from a very young age, knows these words. Many know the heart-wrenching story of Chief Rabbi Herzog [and/or Rav Eliezer Silver and Rav Yosef Kahaneman] who discovered Jewish children whose identities were hidden by nuns after the Holocaust, by singing "Shema Yisrael" as the children prepared for sleep, bringing many to remember their parents.
Let us try to determine how the Torah uses these ostensibly introductory words to teach additional spiritual messages. Of course, the most famous usage is with the continuation, "Hashem is our G-d, Hashem is one" (Devarim 6:4). However, it also introduces other Torah statements.
"Hashem called to all of Israel and said to them: ‘Hear Israel, the statutes and the ordinances that I am speaking in your ears today, and you shall teach them and guard them to follow them’" (Devarim 5:1). Another one is: "Hear, Israel, you are passing the Jordan today to replace great nations … and you should know today that Hashem is He who goes before you; He will destroy them…" (Devarim 9:1-3). Later on in Devarim (20:3-4), the Torah says: "He [the kohen] will say to them: ‘Hear, Israel, you are going out to battle today against your enemies; let your hearts not be weak … for Hashem, your G-d is He who goes before you to fight on your behalf against your enemies to save you.’"
The last appearance of "Shema Yisrael" is in our parasha: "Moshe and the kohanim, the levi’im, spoke to all of Israel: ‘Concentrate and hear, Israel: this day you have become a nation to Hashem, your G-d’" (ibid. 27:9).
If we take a look at these four usages of the phrase "Shema Yisrael," we will see that the subject matters in these contexts are the three critically interlocked foundations of our unique relationship with Hashem. The first and most famous context relates to the basis of theTorah of Israel. The next two sources have to do with the importance of the Land of Israel in our national lives. The final one has to do with our unique status as a nation singled out by Hashem. The fact that each of these ideas is introduced in this dramatic manner shows its importance as ideas that are the bases for our whole Jewish belief.
As the Day of Judgment approaches, let us pray that more and more people in our nation will be strengthened in their belief in these principles.
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)
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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)
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.
