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Simha bat Hana
Despite these apparently clear instructions, few commentaries explain that Aharon and his sons were fully forbidden to leave the Mishkan complex for seven days. The Ramban cites Torat Kohanim, which sees this pasuk as the source for a permanent law that a kohen may not leave his post in the midst of performing avoda (service in the Temple). But Rav Hirsch asks a strong question. During the days of milu’im, Moshe did all of the avoda; the kohanim did none. So how can one relate the p’sukim describing the kohanim’s behavior during those days to their behavior at the time of avoda?
Ibn Ezra says that the p’sukim do refer to remaining in the Mishkan during the entire period. However, they were permitted to leave for certain purposes during this period. It is just that one could say about the period as a whole that they did not leave, in general. But one can still ask: why did the Torah use such strongly inclusive language if in fact they were allowed to leave?
The simple explanation is that Aharon and his sons were instructed to totally immerse themselves in the atmosphere of holiness that was prevalent at the Mishkan, as Rav Hirsch writes. The Torah stresses that there are times when one should ideally be in a certain place on an uninterrupted basis. Even when this is impossible on a practical level, one has to do what he can, physically, and concentrate on a mindset of one who never leaves.
The Netziv, picking up on the words, "they shall watch the watch of Hashem," refers to his explanation elsewhere in the Torah that this phrase refers to in-depth study of the Oral Law. In other words, even after completing their stint in the Mishkan, the kohanim had not completed their responsibilities. Rather, they had to continue to learn so that they would be capable of fulfilling their complex avoda with a deep understanding of their laws, along with the laws of the Torah, in general. Indeed, we find that Torah study should be seen as an ongoing process, even when practically there are long breaks. For that reason, one who makes a blessing on Torah study in the morning, learns a little, and then spends much time on other activities is still considered connected to the experience of the study. Therefore, when he returns to learn, he does not make a new beracha (see Tosafot, Berachot 11b).
The experiential exposure to Moshe’s avoda during the inaugural days, continued during "off-hours" by the holy, intellectual pursuit to understand the Torah, combined to prepare the kohanim for their holy calling.
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)
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)
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
