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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- D'varim
- Ki Tavo
And so, in our Sedra of Ki Tavo – which is always read just before Rosh Hashana each year – we are told about the Mitzva of Bikurim, the first-fruits brought as an offering in the Bet HaMikdash. The farmer presenting it recites a beautiful soliloquy that begins with the words "Arami Oved Avi, My father was a wandering Aramean" - the same exact phrase found in the Pesach Hagada!. He thanks Hashem, & testifies that he has faithfully kept his side of the bargain with G-d, & so he is deserving of these blessings.
I list part of his speech, with a bit of Rabbinic license:
"Biyarti HaKodesh Min HaBayit – I removed the holy things from the house." That is, I did not only act in holiness within the 4 walls of my house. I also took the holiness outside – to my business, to my dealings with fellow Jews.
"Lo Avarti MiMitzvotecha, V’lo Shachachti; I did not deviate from your Mitzvot & I did not forget." I did not forget that You, G-d, are the One who gave me these Mitzvot; that You are watching & guiding me. I did not perform these acts simply out of habit, by rote or due to peer pressure; I did them because they emanate from you, and they connect me to You in a personal way.
"Lo Achalti B’Oni – I did not eat ‘B’Oni.’ " When I ate, when I enjoyed all the blessings you awarded me, I did not eat alone, focusing on just the "Ani," the "me." I shared with others, I included the community in my good fortune.
"Lo Biyarti Mimeni B’Tamei – I did not consume it in an unholy fashion." Yes, I am a consumer, & I surround myself with a multitude of items that enhance my life. But I did not waste! I consumed, I bought, I used what I needed - but not to a fault. I conducted myself in a holy fashion, with modesty, moderation & consideration for the people and the planet around me.
"Lo Natati Mimenu L’Meyt – I did not give of it to the dead." I used what you gave me not so much for inanimate objects - which are lifeless or "dead" - but for that which brings Life: The Torah, the continuity of the Jewish People & Israel.
And so, I can now confidently turn to you with my request for the New Year:
Hashem, look down from your Heavenly place & bless Your nation & the Land which You gave to us. Amen.
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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.
