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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- D'varim
- D'varim
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- The Three Weeks
- Shabbat Chazon
Many years, on Tisha B’Av pasts, it has become in vogue to question the appropriateness of such a somber day. Why do we need it? After all, Jerusalem is no longer in ruins; it has been re-populated and transformed into a world-class, spectacular city, one of the most vibrant & visited capitals on the planet. Why cry over it now?
Indeed, there have been numerous suggestions to adjust, or even eliminate, the Nachem prayer which we recite on Mincha of Tisha B’Av (one of only 4 blessings said each year by every Jew throughout the world). That prayer, which depicts Yerushalayim as a "desolate, deserted, degraded" place, one filled "with death & destruction" has rankled the sensibilities of many modern Israelis, who walk the streets of a starkly different Jerusalem. They wonder why we cannot "upgrade" Nachem into a far more upbeat, optimistic version reflecting the current reality.
Well, sadly, the events of the past several weeks – not coincidentally, coming precisely during the 3 Weeks - have sent us a stark reminder that the tragic tone of Nachem is far from misplaced; it reflects an appraisal of Jerusalem that is far from ideal, one that is still, sadly, filled with moments of sadness, struggle & sacrifice.
Anyone with any semblance of savvy knows that the ongoing turmoil in Yerushalayim is not about cameras, or metal detectors, or security. It is about sovereignty, about control, about who actually rules the Holy City – Am Yisrael, or the Muslim world. And, I am sorry to say, we are far from having won this all-important battle.
And so, we have more than just cause this 9 Av to sit mournfully in low places & bemoan our fate. Yes, we must thank G-d for all He has miraculously given us, for the glorious State of Israel that is truly the flowering of our Redemption, greater than any Israel of the past. But the project is far from complete: We pray for the fulfillment of "Chazon Yeshayahu," Isaiah’s grand, future vision, when "V’Yashiva Yadi Alayich," G-d will return His protective hand upon us, give us the upper hand over our enemies & total rule over our united, eternal capital. Keyn Y’Hi Ratzon.
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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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
