YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Beha'alotcha
- Shabbat and Holidays
- Shabbat
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Asher Ben Hana
What are the days of happiness (simcha)? After all, the holidays are already addressed. The Sifrei (77) brings a machloket whether it refers to Shabbat or to daily korbanot. Ibn Ezra explains that the purpose was for Bnei Yisrael to hear as the Shabbat korbanot were being brought and focus their hearts to the Heaven. According to Shibalei Haleket, the opinion that relates "days of happiness" to Shabbat explains the text of the Shabbat prayers. We say "they shall rejoice in Your kingdom..." and "they shall rejoice in You." Ibn Ezra’s approach also finds expression in his Shabbat song, "Ki Eshmera Shabbat," where he says, "it is a day of happiness..."
It is possible that the Sifrei’s two opinions differ over the question whether it is feasible that a day of kedusha (usually translated as, holiness) can be categorized as a day of happiness. Some view asceticism as the highest level of kedusha. Others stress the balance recommended by Kohelet: "Go eat your bread in happiness and drink your wine with a good heart, for Hashem has accepted your actions" (9:7).
There are halachic ramifications to categorizing Shabbat as a day of simcha. The Manhig writes: "We do not recite Tachanun on Friday because Shabbat is also called a day of simcha." The Maharil (end of the Laws of Yom Tov) uses the classification to rule that one does not engage in a ta’anit chalom (a fast to ward off the effects of a bad dream) on Shabbat, as is also alluded to in "Ki Eshmera Shabbat."
We finish with another of Ibn Ezra’s insights in this context, which is rooted in the p’sukim’s simple meaning. The insight has special significance to us, those who have experienced our national revival in the form of the establishment of the State of Israel. Until now, we have viewed pasuk 10, dealing with trumpet blowing at happy times, as separate from pasuk 9, dealing with doing so during tense times. However, Ibn Ezra connects the p’sukim. After returning victorious from battle, it is time to have a day of happiness and bring korbanot of thanksgiving. He gives Purim and other days as examples of the creation of national days of thanksgiving. This idea is behind our celebrations of Yom Ha’atzmaut and Yom Yerushalayim, which we consider a joyous obligation. There is basis to connect our times, when we have witnessed a massive ingathering of exiles to the celebration of our pasuk. The Rokeach points out that both our pasuk and the beracha of "Teka b’shofar ..." where we ask for the ingathering, contain 20 words.
Let us pray that we will merit lives of happiness through holiness and that we will be able to thank Hashem for our liberation.
Igrot Hare’aya Excitement over a Friend’s New Newspaper – #319
Date and Place: 4 Menachem Av 5670 (1910), Rechovot
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(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)
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)
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
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
