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Hana Bat Haim
The gemara (Chulin 45a) gives two opinions on the final phrase, "I shall bless them." R. Yishmael starts with a question. Bnei Yisrael are blessed by the kohanim; who blesses the kohanim? Our pasuk, he interprets, answers the question: Hashem blesses the kohanim. R. Akiva asks a different question. The kohanim bless the people; but how do we know that Hashem blesses the people? To this, he brings the same pasuk, "I shall bless them." In other words, Hashem confirms the blessings that the kohanim try to confer on Bnei Yisrael. This leaves us with two parallel questions. According to R. Yishmael, who confirms the kohanim’s blessings? According to R. Akiva, who blesses the kohanim?
The gemara raises the latter question and says that the kohanim are covered by the rule that "I will bless those who bless you [Avraham’s offspring]" (Bereishit 12:3). The Iyun Yaakov (on the gemara) asks the former question and answers that after Hashem blesses the kohanim, they are worthy enough for their blessings to be sufficiently effective.
While R. Yishmael and R. Akiva explain the p’sukim differently, based on potentially different philosophical approaches, they share an important idea. What gives the kohanim their greatness and brings them blessing? It is the fact that they are involved in blessing the nation. In the eyes of R. Akiva, it is natural that one who blesses those who should be blessed are themselves blessed. The kohanim, who are involved in blessing on an ongoing, deep basis are profoundly elevated. It is the blessed who need to be helped by the further Divine blessing that the pasuk refers to. According to R. Yishmael, Hashem blesses the blessers so that they will not lose out on a beracha and so that their beracha will be fully effective. He agrees that the one who blesses receives a most profound, Divine blessing as part of the process.
It is not for us to decide who is right, R. Yishmael or R. Akiva, and each speaks a perspective of truth. The gemara (Nedarim 35b) tries to determine whether kohanim act as agents of Hashem or of Bnei Yisrael. This may be connected to the differing views. But clearly, the kohanim connect between the two, and the question is which side they start with. They thus have a special status, privileges and obligations. May all who help create a bridge between Hashem and His nation be blessed as a result, as the kohanim are.
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 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.
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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
