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Asher Smuel ben Rivka
Before presenting two classical approaches, we should note that this phenomenon of referring to apparently external sources arises in a few places in Tanach. In Yehoshua (10:13) and Shmuel (II, 1:18), the navi refers to things that are found in "Sefer Hayashar (The Book of the Straight)." In Yeshaya (34:16), the navi tells us to "search in the Book of Hashem." What are all of these works that our Holy Scriptures refer to?
Rashi in our parasha says that the Book of the Wars is not a book, but a reference to what people will say orally when discussing the miracles. The moshlim did not write anything. Rather, the Torah is talking about the prophecy of Bilam. In Yehoshua and Shmuel, he explains that Sefer Hayashar is actually our own Sefer Bereishit. So too, Yeshaya’s "Book of Hashem" is actually Sefer Bereishit, according to Rashi.
However, not all commentators take that approach. The Ramban (Bamidbar 21:13) explains in no uncertain terms what the Book of the Wars of Hashem is. "There were, in those generation, knowledgeable and wise men who would write a book about the big wars, as it was in all generations. The authors of these books were called moshlim because of their use of parables …" The Ibn Ezra and others take a similar approach.
It appears that Rashi, although being forced to find creative ways to explain each specific reference, has an understandable thesis. The Torah does not quote or paraphrase any external source. It only cross-references within Tanach (and even that, it usually does in a veiled manner). Rashi apparently reasoned that the Torah would not give credence to any other work, a work written by man, as bright and eloquent as he might be, by quoting it.
The Ramban and his camp apparently took a different approach. The Torah is full of quotes of less than holy people, from the King of S’dom to Paroh, to name a couple. It need not be the source of the statement that provides the holiness to the words found in the Torah. Rather, when Hashem decided to incorporate some previously external idea of wisdom, background, or general information within Tanach, its inclusion granted it a special status of words of Torah. There need not be a fear that such a reference gives parallel status or a carte blanche suggestion to delve into some external, humanly authored book, the way we delve into the Holy Scriptures themselves. Only that which is quoted, within its context in Tanach, is sacred.
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)
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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
