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Beit Midrash
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Teshuva (Repentance) – the very existence of the possibility of teshuva without direct connection to rectifying the tendency toward a specific sin implies closeness to Hashem. That is why our Rabbis taught us that teshuva preceded the creation of the world (see a list of seven such pre-creation creations – Pesachim 54a). That is why the days of teshuva begin in the beginning of the month of Elul.
Days of Judgment – Rabbi Yossi says that people are judged every day, and Rabbi Natan says that it occurs every moment (Rosh Hashana 16a). According to them, what is unique about Rosh Hashana? One can explain that during this special period, there is special closeness to Hashem, which stems from our willingness to be judged. When we exclaim that Hashem is the righteous judge of the whole world, people enter the path that ends with a sincere mindset of "For me, closeness to Hashem is good."
The Days of Selichot – The selichot are special prayers in the spirit of the days, which revolve around the recitation of the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy. These days prepare us for Yom Kippur and, especially, for the concluding prayer of Ne’ila, which is structured around the Thirteen Attributes. (They are absent from the davening of Rosh Hashana.)
During this period, Hashem promised that there would be special opportunities for mercy related to these prayers. As a matter of fact, the gemara (Rosh Hashana 17b) says that Hashem acted like a chazan and showed Moshe how to pray by mentioning the Attributes in a way that elicits the best results of forgiveness. Here too, through the description of Hashem’s Attributes, we draw ourselves closer to Him.
Sukkot – Entering the sukka has a clear significance of finding "protection under the wings of the Divine Presence." Having every limb in a person’s body within the sukka certainly gives expression to great closeness to Hashem, like entering a bridal canopy. The house that the sukka represents is the joint house of Bnei Yisrael and Hashem. The ushpizin, the historical great guests who spiritually grace our sukkot, are like the invited guests to the wedding. After all, a wedding without guests is hardly a wedding (this even has halachic implications). Certainly, anyone who enters the sukka is declaring: "For me, closeness to Hashem is good."
May we all merit, on these special days that begin our new year, to draw closer to Hashem and merit His forgiveness. Let us feel that "For me, closeness to Hashem is good."
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)
