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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
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The first sub-section of the parashah ends as follows: "Avram passed through the Land to the place of Shechem, to Elon Moreh, and the Canaanites were then in the Land" (Bereishit 12:6). Why is it significant that the Canaanites were in the Land at this time, and why does the Torah stress the word "then"?
Rashi was undoubtedly bothered by these questions when he explained that the Canaanites had been capturing the Land from the descendants of Shem, to whom the Land was originally slated. When Hashem gave the Land to Avraham, a descendant of Shem, He was in that way returning it to its proper owners. This is difficult, though, as Rashi himself indicates elsewhere that both the Land of Israel and Egypt were slated for the sons of Cham (Canaan and Mitzrayim). Nimrod, another descendant of Cham, left Egypt and conquered the land from there until Assyria, and the bridge between these two places is Eretz Yisrael.
Let us remember that Nimrod was the major enemy of Avraham, highlighted of course by Nimrod’s throwing Avraham into the furnace. He controlled all of the Middle East, with the Canaanites, his cousins, being those who lived in Eretz Yisrael, then called the Land of Canaan. Of all places, Hashem chose to send Avraham there, and there he called out in the name of Hashem. He offered sacrifices, set up centers of monotheism in Beit El and in Elon Moreh, and preached a life based on the sanctity of the family, justice, and charity.
Let us pray that we will merit establishing in Eretz Yisrael a society based on a life of purity and sanctity, based on principles of kindness and justice. This is the legacy we inherited from Avraham. May we succeed in being a light unto the nations and that they will recognize this.
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.
