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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- D'varim
- Ki Tetze
Thus we can literally apply the lesson in our Sedra’s first pasuk: "When you go out against your enemy…" which teaches us 2 imperatives vis a vis our adversaries: 1) We must "go out," i.e. pro-actively seek out the enemy &
vanquish him before he does us; & 2) We must treat our enemy as our enemy. Normally, we exercise mercy & forbearance, for we are a merciful people. But when facing an enemy whose goal is to obliterate us, we are forbidden to show mercy, for it will surely cause innocents to die.
Fittingly, our Parsha ends on the note with which it started: Wiping out, completely, our arch-enemy Amalek.
But even as we are commanded to be tough & unforgiving against our foes, this month of Elul – during which this Sedra of Ki Tetze is always read - implores us to show overwhelming love & conciliation to our fellow Jews.
As we know, the code word of Elul is "Ani L’Dodi V’Dodi Li", the phrase formed by the initials of the month. But this phrase is puzzling & quite awkward, & does not translate well at all. In English we say, "I am my Beloved’s, & my
Beloved is mine." But the Hebrew seems a bit forced, as if the verb is mysteriously missing from the phrase.
But this is exactly the point! Indeed, there should be a verb in the sentence, such as Ani Mavtiach l’Dodi, Ani Notayn l‘Dodi, etc. (I promise to my beloved, I give to my beloved, etc). But any verb, though adding an action, would also be limiting, as if to say, "I do such-and-such for my Beloved - but that’s all!" By leaving the verb out, it is as if we are saying, I do _________ for my Beloved. Now you go ahead & fill in the blank, for whatever you name, I am prepared to do it for Hashem, & He for me!
We’re all familiar with the adage, "Only love can conquer hate." But the Torah clearly disagrees with this! We are commanded to battle fiercely to remove hate & haters from the world. But loving those who are not set on our
destruction - particularly our fellow Jews – as well as loving G-d, is a sure way to guarantee that we’ll be blessed by Hashem & will always prevail over our enemies.
Igrot Hare’aya Refuting Criticism by the Ridbaz – #311 – part IV
Date and Place: 19 Sivan 5670 (1910), Yafo
Rabbis in Midrash
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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)
