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We propose the assertion that the Mikdash serves to unite the nation, especially those who came thrice annually to visit it. One could argue that the reason for visiting Yerushalayim is just to take part in the goings-on in the Mikdash. However, we posit that the unity reached is that which made it possible to have the Divine Presence dwell on the people. Unity is an ends and not just a means.
David understood this, and therefore when he brought the ark to Yerushalayim the second time, he invited the entire nation (see Divrei Hayamim I, 15:3). This also found expression in David’s building of an area that was called the Milo (Shmuel II:5:9). Chazal tell us that this referred to an area in the city that David left open as camping grounds for those who came to visit the Mikdash. One generation later, this area was the subject of a bitter disagreement that caused a horrible split in the nation between the descendants of David and what became the Kingdom of Judea and Yeravam ben Nevat and the Kingdom of Israel.
The navi mentions the tax that Shlomo levied to build the Milo as well as the wall of Yerushalayim and other cities (Melachim I, 9:15). But then it mentions the area in the context of the palace he built for his wife, the daughter of Paroh (ibid. 24). The navi relates the criticism of Yeravam, one of Shlomo’s regional leaders, against Shlomo regarding the milo (ibid. 11:26-28). The gemara (Sanhedrin 101b) credits Yeravam’s rebuke as the matter through which he merited kingship. But what was the importance of this Milo?
Our suggestion is that it was an area between the City of David and Mt. Moriah, the site of the Beit Hamikdash. When David extended the city wall, it became part of the City of David, but he left it open in order to encourage aliya laregel by providing a place for tents. The area served as a great sign welcoming the pilgrims. By building Bat Paroh’s palace there, Shlomo was in effect declaring a welcome to the nations of the world, whom she represented, instead of the national command to go up to the place that Hashem chose (Devarim 17:8). By turning to the whole world, Shlomo was in essence claiming the arrival of the final redemption, as that is the time when all nations will come to visit the house of Hashem and its mountain (see famous prophecy of Yeshayahu (2:2-3)). It turns out that this was premature. There was still a need to strengthen the Jewish people around the messages that surround the Mikdash. Only afterward, could the other nations be invited to take part in their way. Yeravam, who wanted to take Shlomo’s place, called him out on this mistake, and when he did not receive the kingdom of a united Israel, broke the country and nation into two. Once disunity prevailed, success in maintaining the Divine Presence was doomed.
May the successful regaining of national unity bring about the return of the Divine Presence to dwell in our midst.
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 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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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
