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Yonatan acted in a very different way. After David killed Goliat and thereby saved the nation and was brought before his father, Shaul, Yonatan understood that David would receive his father’s crown instead of Yonatan. Yonatan could have tried to fight destiny, remove David, and restore his own status. Instead, Yonatan removed his cloak and his arms and gave them to David (ibid. 18:1-4). That was Yonatan’s way of showing David that he actively accepted the passing of the status of heir to David.
Let us see another example of clothes as a sign of status. Eliyahu had three identifying elements as a prophet: his hair, a belt on his waist (Melachim II, 1:8) and a special aderet (cloak).
Eliyahu had two primary disciples: Elisha and Yonah ben Amittai (the son of the Tzorfatit, whom Eliyahu had brought back to life). He could not pass on his hair, but Eliyahu did pass on his aderet to Elisha, once temporarily as a sign that Elisha should follow him (Melachim I, 19:19) and once when he was taken up to the heaven (Melachim II, 2:4). Elisha apparently passed on his belt to Yonah, as Chazal tell us that he was the "son of the prophet" who was asked to carry out Eliyahu’s instructions to Elisha, which included girding his loins (see ibid. 9:1).
We see similar phenomena in regard to non-Jewish kings and their Jewish associates. Paroh gave his signet to Yosef and clothed him with special royal clothes to signify his appointment as viceroy (Bereishit 41:42). More than a thousand years later, Achashverosh presented Mordechai with special royal garments (Esther 8:15). So we see that clothes were always a part of transferring authority.
Finally, we should point out that Moshe did not pass on any clothing to Yehoshua when he "left the stage" of history. Apparently, Moshe was on such a high spiritual level that it was not possible to express leadership transfer in such a manner. Rather he passed on hod (some sort of spiritual glow) to Yehoshua (Bamidbar 27:18-20).
May we merit leadership that strives for such levels.
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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.
