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But let me share another insight with you.
The Gemara in Chulin (139) asks: "Where is Haman found in the Torah?" Now, on the surface, this question may seem frivolous, since Haman lived long after the Torah was given. But we believe that ALL knowledge and events - before AND after Har Sinai - are found in the Torah. So the Talmud answers: "Haman is found in the pasuk (BR 3:11): Ha-min Ha-etz asher tziviticha l’vilti achal mimenu achalta? Have you eaten from the tree whereof I commanded you not to eat?!"
Now, while it is true that the letters of Haman’s name (Hey-Mem-Nun) do indeed form the word Ha-min, those same letters can form other words, too – like "Ha-Mahn," the Manna we ate in the desert. So why do the Sages choose this specific reference? What does the Gemara teach us here? Can there really be a connection between Adam in Gan Eden and Haman?! Yes, there can be!
You see, Adam was given free reign over the Garden of Eden; he didn’t have to work, he conversed with the animals, he lived (albeit for a short time only) a truly pristine existence. He had just one single rule to abide by –
one rule! – to abstain from eating from the Etz Ha-Da’at, the Tree of Knowledge. And he just couldn’t do it.
Haman, too, lived in a kind of Paradise-world. He was rich beyond measure; he had enormous political power; he considered himself a demi-god, and so everywhere he went, people would bow to him deference. Except, that is, for one brave Jew. For a variety of reasons given by the commentators, Mordechai refused to bow, and Haman was powerless to force him to do so. And so, because of this one little bump in his massive ego-trip, Haman decided to wipe out all the Jews, sealing his own fate in the process.
All of us have a great deal of control in our lives. We can decide where to live, what foods to eat, what shul to pray in, with whom we care to associate, etc. But - we are not G-d. At the end of the day, He is the One in control. To bring that point home, He creates points of restraint that we must abide by, and sends our way many scenarios where we don’t get our way. We don’t - and won’t - always have the last word, unless it’s Hashem Hu Ha-Elokim.
Adam and Haman both fell from grace because of a tree. To prevent that from happening to us, we must cling to the most important tree of all, the Torah, the "Etz Chaim Hi" of life.
Rabbi Stewart Weiss
Was ordained at the Hebrew Theological College in Skokie, Illinois, and led congregations in Chicago and Dallas prior to making Aliyah in 1992. He directs the Jewish Outreach Center in Ra'anana, helping to facilitate the spiritual absorption of new olim.
Jewish Laws and Thoughts Shul “etiquette:” can we honor Hashem while respecting our fellow congregants?
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 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)
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
