YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
- Vayishlach
These points were behind the steps taken by the Jewish leadership of Chevron a little more than a hundred years ago. They declared that they did not need to be under the guidance of the general Jewish administration that was seated in Yerushalayim. This found most practical ramifications in their desire to raise money for the needy in their community independent of the Va’ad Hakelali (which was on the street that is now called Rav Kook Street), which raised and distributed the "chaluka" money. The Va’ad Hakelali sued the community to cease its independent, competitive activities, and Rav Avraham Y. Hakohen, then Chief Rabbi of Yafo, adjudicated (see Igrot Hareiyah 39).
Let us view some of the claims of the Chevron community. 1. Yehoshua bin Nun killed Adoni Tzedek, King of Yerushalayim and then burned the city (Shoftim 1:8), yet Jews did not inhabit the city until David captured it from the Yevusim. 2. According to Kabbalistic sources, the entrance to the Garden of Eden is at the Me’arat Hamachpela in Chevron, which is the reason that Adam buried Chava there (Zohar Chadash to Megillat Ruth). In contrast, the opening to Gehinom is, according to several sources, in Yerushalayim (see Eruvin 19a). Thus, the forefathers and Adam and Chava before them, had good reason to choose Chevron as their burial place. 3. Chevron was the first place purchased by our forefathers and therefore maintains a status as the key to the acquisition of the Land. 4. David chose Chevron for his capital before he chose Yerushalayim.
Rav Kook rejected the claims to giving Chevron prominence when compared to Yerushalayim. He said that anyone who minimized the greatness of Yerushalayim in comparison to anywhere else even in Eretz Yisrael is tantamount to one who sacrifices on an altar outside of the city. Any choice of the forefathers relating to Chevron had special reasons, but these do not preclude the special status of Yerushalayim. Me’arat Hamachpela’s presence in Chevron does not take away from Yerushlayim, as the special level of Chevron is included in the special status of Yerushalayim. (I will further develop this topic in Tzofnat Shmuel, which will hopefully be published soon.)
Let us pray that the connection of our entire nation to the Holy Land will be strengthened and all will rally around Yerushalayim as the unified and unifying city.
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
