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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Yaakov Ben Behora
The Malbim, in his sefer, Eretz Hemdah, makes the following observation. The stars’ positions, in terms of our observation from the ground, change in two ways. They move as a unit from east to west [as the earth rotates]. Individual stars also change their positions in relation to each other within the cosmos. This dichotomy points at the double identity of the star, as an integral part of the tapestry of the sky’s legions and as an individual world unto itself. The difference between the two p’sukim hints at this. One pasuk refers to the name (singular) of the stars, whereas the other refers to their names (plural). Names connote identity, so the former hints to their joint identity and the latter to their individual identity.
The Malbim says that the same is true for members of Bnei Yisrael. The individual is counted as an integral part of one grand number. On the other hand, the pasuk, "ish ish lamateh" (literally, each man to a tribe) hints that each individual is considered like an entire tribe. A Hasidic approach to this concept is based on a halacha. When a single object that is counted by unit (not measured by volume or weight) is lost in a large mixture, it is not batel (rendered halachically insignificant). So too, the individual in Klal Yisrael is counted, and thus his individual character remains intact.
The double count also reminds us of the counting of the days of the omer. On one level we have 49 days, each of which is equally necessary to fulfill the mitzva and to reach Shavuot. On the other hand, the Kabbalists have attached to the seven days and seven weeks characteristics, such as chesed, gevura, etc. We too, are equal individuals, who are broken up by tribe and family, and by personal attributes and history.
One can also answer the contradiction about the ability to count by saying that Hashem can count the stars (as the p’sukim describe) and the nation, but man cannot. There are many stars that we cannot see, certainly not with the naked eye. Also the more we shine light at the sky, the fewer stars we can see. Inter-personally also, the less we shine our own light at others’ domains and the finer the "equipment" we develop to observe them, the more we will discover other people and the light they are capable of shining.
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)
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)
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
