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If we look closer at the p’sukim, we find striking parallels between the descriptions of the two events. They both include fire/smoke and are events that took place during the entire night until dawn.
In order to understand the connection between these two events and its deeper lesson, let us first examine the Brit Bein Hab’tarim that took place in Chevron at the height of Avraham Avinu’s "first Aliya" (Bereishit 13:14-17). There are two distinct elements.
1) The blessing regarding his progeny. Hashem promises Avram that he will have an abundance of progeny – "like the stars." To this the Torah (ibid. 15:6) praises Avram, stating that he believed in Hashem and it was considered "tzedaka."
2) The covenant regarding the Land of Israel. Hashem promised Avram that He would give him the Land as an inheritance. Avram replied by asking: "How will I know that I will inherit it?" This answer needs further study (See Rashi, Ibn Ezra, Radak and other commentators, who grappled with this idea).
Then Hashem commanded Avram to take three calves, three rams, a turtledove and a common dove and split them down the middle. With the fall of night, Avram had a terrible vision, "a great darkness enveloping him." Here Avram received the prophecy that his children will be enslaved for 400 years in a foreign land. (This topic will be further explored in my next book, Tzofnat Shmuel and the Kingdom of King David)
But how is this prophecy reconciled with the historical events later described in the Torah? Weren’t Bnei Yisrael enslaved for only 210 years? Why in Shemot does the Torah relate that they were in Egypt for 430 years? Chazal, and Rashi in their footsteps, explained that the 400 years was from the time of Yitzchak’s birth and the 430 years was from the time of the Brit Bein Hab’tarim. What is the deeper meaning behind all of this?
Let us add that throughout the ages there were long periods when Egypt ruled over Israel. Even the rulers of the cities in Israel were not independent; they were vassals of the Egyptian Pharaohs. Evidence of Egyptian rule in Israel from the period of the forefathers and later have been uncovered by archeologists over the last hundred years. It should be noted that also during the War of Independence, the Egyptians reached the approaches of Jerusalem and the city of Ashdod.
Specifically during this time we remember the greatness of Hashem, even if there are times when we feel "a dread of darkness upon us." Next week we will continue to explain the topic at hand and how it all connects to Yom Ha'atzma'ut!
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
