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Beit Midrash
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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Yaakov Ben Behora
Sefer Hachinuch (#306) explains that it is based on the fact that the giving of the Torah, which took place on the first Shavuot, was the ultimate purpose of the world’s creation and the liberation from Egypt. We count to show how excited we are, and we count the days in ascending order rather than the days remaining so that we not be discouraged by the large number of days that initially exist. Emet L’Yaakov (Kaminetsky) (23:11) cites a midrash that tells that right after the Exodus, Bnei Yisrael turned to Hashem, complaining that they had not immediately received the Torah. When Hashem told them that it would be forthcoming in 50 days, they started counting. Thus, our counting commemorates their counting.
What all of this tells us is that it is important not only to study and obey the Torah but also to love it and look forward to receiving it. R. Kaminetsky continues that the death of R. Akiva’s students during this period is related to this idea. For had they properly appreciated Torah, they would have treated their fellow students of Torah with greater respect than they did.
We have demonstrated in other forums that counting the omer is not done toward a day, but marks how long we have been counting for. Indeed the anticipation toward the giving of the Torah, which demonstrates our love for it, is an end in itself. The navi, describing the relationship between Hashem and Bnei Yisrael, says, "I will betroth you forever" (Hoshea 2:21). This is ostensibly difficult. A couple is betrothed temporarily in order to subsequently marry. Why would they be betrothed forever? The navi may be hinting that although Hashem and Bnei Yisrael are, so to speak, married, certain elements of betrothal remain forever. What is so special about the time of engagement is the strong emotional feelings which are enhanced by waiting with anticipation.
The Sefer Hachinuch (ibid.) asks why we wait until the second day of Pesach to begin the count. He answers that the first day should be set aside to commemorate only the events that happened at the liberation from Egypt. This tells us that while the main purpose of the liberation was so that the fledgling nation should accept the Torah and embark on a mission as a holy nation, the liberation itself served as an independent value. The salvation strengthened the connection between Hashem and His nation and proved through the miracles that took place that He created the world and runs its existence (ibid.). While we are required to mention liberation every day of our lives, we should spend these days strengthening our connection to and our appreciation of the Torah which He bestowed to us after those 50 days of expectation.
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)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
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)
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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)
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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
