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The sin of the Golden Calf is one of the most serious sins Am Yisrael ever transgressed. How, then, could Yeravam ben Nevat commit the same sin again, placing golden calves in Beit El and in Dan (Melachim I, 12:28-29), and how could the people agree to it? Also, why did he call his two sons Nadav and Aviah (see Melachim I, 14:1,20), similar to Aharon’s sons?
The Abarbanel has an enlightening explanation, clarifying the actions of Yeravam, who received kingship over the Ten Tribes via prophecy. At the beginning of Yeravam’s rule, the pasuk describes him as wearing a "new cloak" (ibid.: 11:30). Chazal explained that "his Torah had no "stains," similar to a new cloak" (Sanhedrin 102a).
The navi does not state that Yeravam built an altar in front of the calves, nor did they bow or bring sacrifices to them, as happened in the desert. Yeravam did not ever intend to create idols to worship as did the generation of the desert. Rather, Yeravam saw that Shlomo made two pillars at the entrance to the Beit Hamikdash as a memorial for his father and himself, who built the Temple. Therefore, Yeravam also made some type of memorial to his kingship. Since he was a descendant of Yosef, he decided to place one calf in dedication of his family in Beit El, where his kingship began. It was made of gold to symbolize the eternity of his kingship, as well as his honor and greatness. He showed that the sign of the King of Yehuda was made of copper while the sign of the King of Israel was made of gold, in the form of the strongest animal – the ox. He placed this in Bet El at the entrance to the altars, just as Shlomo placed the pillars at the entrance to the Beit Hamikdash. Since Eretz Yisrael was vast he placed another calf in Dan, at the border of the Land, in order that his kingship would be commemorated even there. Also, he made two calves representing the two sons of Yosef – Ephraim and Menashe. By this, Yeravam was trying to give testimony that the birthright was actually given to Yosef, hence the kingship should go to him and not the tribe of Yehuda.
Let us summarize the Abarbanel’s opinion. Yeravam did not repeat the sin of the Golden Calf. His calves were meant to be a symbol of the kingship of Yosef, placed at the entrance to the kingdom from both sides. They also symbolized that Yosef was rewarded the kingship and not Yehuda. By doing this, Yeravam was directly trying to seize the leadership from the successors of Shlomo, who built the Beit Hamikdash in Yerushalayim with the two pillars – Yachin and Boaz.
Unfortunately many people did not understand this and turned the calves into idol worship and hence re-enacted the sin of the Golden Calf. Perhaps there was a similar sequence of events with Aharon Hakohen.
Let us pray that we be able to rectify the sin of the Golden Calf and merit to serve Hashem with pure thoughts and actions.
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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)
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Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
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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
