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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Rabbi Meir b"r Yechezkel Shraga Brachfeld
I have faith in our people. The nation of Israel is an excellent nation, a strong nation, a healthy nation, an unsullied and holy nation. I am not simply trying to comfort with empty words those who have surrendered to despair because of the present situation. Rather, my intention is to show that there is indeed hope of escaping the political whirlpool which currently has us in its clutches, for this entire storm that we find ourselves in is actually nothing more than foam upon the face of the water. The crisis is external; all of the weakness and corrosion is superficial.
In Israel's depths, in the inner chamber, everything is different. Our politicians' dishonesty and deceitfulness is just an outer garb which hides and covers up the power of faith and fidelity which resides deep down in their true being.
The schisms which tear at the nation and rend it to pieces conceal the essential inner oneness which unites Israel more than any nation. Outward weakness conceals an inner greatness, the outward disavowal hides an enormous inner of faith. And because in our depths we are healthy and strong, faithful and sturdy, all that needs to be done is to remove the cover which conceals our true refinement. In the words of the Prophet, "Take the filthy garments off of him" (Zechariah 3:4).
We ask ourselves, what is the meaning of this contradiction between that which we see on the outside and that which exists within? How is it possible for there to be such a sharp disparity between our inner essence, which is completely perfect, and our outer appearance, which seems to be the exact opposite? How can we be so certain that we indeed possess all of these qualities when reality appears to negate this? Answer: the Sages teach us that it is precisely Israel's preeminence that causes all of our weaknesses to stand out so strongly.
Our eminent mentor, the late Rabbi A. I. Kook, in his seminal work, Orot, in the chapter entitled "Orot HaTekhiya," gives expression this idea as follows: "We are great and our errors are great—hence our sufferings are great and our solaces are great." Rabbi Kook further writes that "just before the 'footsteps of the Messiah,' the nation's inherent unity will flourish. The good deeds and the wisdom and the Divine light which reside in the righteous will effect the sanctity of the national body more than in any other period. This inherent genius is concealed by a covering of accusation and argumentations, but its essence boasts love and extraordinary unity which awakens a general sense of eager expectation for the salvation of the entire people."
In other words, in the said generation, unity will abound - but it will be hidden. This being the case, all that need be done is to remove the outer guise. There is no need to create new positive faculties, all of the qualities are present; we need only remove the outer veil and reveal them. This can happen suddenly. We are undoubtedly approaching that great hour in which we will be completely redeemed.
He who acts together with the Almighty in bringing about the redemption, settling the land, strengthening the Torah, protecting Israel's territorial integrity - fortunate is he and blessed is his portion; he will soon be called upon to receive his reward.
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(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)
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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
