YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
- Noach
It's become quite trendy as of late - what with the many natural disasters we’ve seen recently - to make all kinds of predictions of the planet’s demise & why all this turmoil is happening. But before you take out your "The World Will End In ___ Days" sign, remember: No one is a Prophet; no one has a "lock" on the Almighty. While there certainly are many wise people in the world, as well as special individuals whose Tefilot are powerful, & while the Bracha of a Tzadik (or any person, for that matter!) has merit, at the end of the day it is G-d who decides what will happen & when, based on considerations to which only He is privy.
If anyone tells you otherwise, & says he knows the future, or can can decide the course of natural, or supernatural events, get it in writing - & check your wallet to make sure that nothing is missing!
Yet still, in the Torah's perspective, there definitely IS a traceable connection between human behavior & events occurring in the physical world. Man's actions have a ripple effect on not just our Earth, but on the entire Universe!
Long before there was Katrina, Irma or Maria, there was a Great Flood which made all the other weather systems feel like a summer sprinkle. The Flood not only destroyed humanity, but changed the planet into a radically different
place. The Giants who once roamed the Earth disappeared; human beings no longer lived for centuries. Why?
The Soforno explains: The physical world reflects the actions of humanity. When we live morally-correct lives, when we perform Mitzvot, treat others with respect, battle against corruption & look to the welfare of the poor, widowed &
orphaned, the Earth responds in kind. It yields abundant produce & nurtures life, allowing people to live almost indefinitely. When the spirit flourishes, life expands.
But when we abuse our responsibilities & violate each other & the Land itself, G-d "rolls back" the good, green Earth & it falls far short of the perfect world it could be. Indeed, the Hebrew word, "Eretz" (land) is connected to "Ratz" (run), for Chazal say that the Earth unceasingly "runs" to do the bidding of the Almighty.
The Torah begins with the letter Bet & it ends with a Lamed; Tanach begins with a Vav & ends with a Lamed. These 4 letters unscramble to spell "Lulav." Why Lulav? A Lulav, say the Rabbis, has taste. It does?! Yes! In the end of days, when we will embody Torah & Tanach, Nature will reach its zenith, and the date palm will taste just like the date – both the trees and their fruit will be completely edible! The Earth will rise to an unprecedented level of abundant giving; it will serve – and not sink - its righteous inhabitants.
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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)
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
