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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
- Miketz
Yosef begins his life in glorious fashion: The beloved son of Yakov the Patriarch, heir to the leadership of the family (as evidenced by his royal coat of many colors); blessed with charisma, good looks & physique. He has it all.
But soon it all goes south. Yosef enrages his brothers, is almost murdered by them & then sent into exile in morally-depraved Egypt. There, the road back will begin.
When we are babies, immature in the extreme, we think we are the center of the universe. All of our needs are attended to; our slightest cry is quickly answered; we are the King of the Crib! But, as we grow, we must learn that we are not the end all & be all; we are but a part of a much greater whole – an important part, yes, but not exclusive.
The key to our growth spurt is Humility; humility before Man & G-d. Yosef expresses this trait in just 1 word - "Bil'a'dye." When Paro remarks that Yosef is said to have interpretive powers, Yosef says: "Bil’a’dye – this is beyond me; only
Hashem has the power to probe the future." Paro is stunned & impressed by this confession. Others would surely have grabbed the credit for themselves; now Paro knows that Yosef is no threat to his throne. His humility, combined with his wisdom, is a rare & valuable commodity in totalitarian society. And so, he vaults to Viceroy.
Yosef will rise to leadership not from above, having being chosen by Yakov, but from below - way, way below. - the dungeons of Egypt. And that is what defines the great leaders of history: Men of the people, who struggle, who emerge from humble beginnings, as did Moshe & David, shepherds both of them, the lowliest of all professions, say Chazal.
Humility, I suggest, is also the centerpiece of Chanuka. The brave Maccabees are referred to in the Al HaNisim prayer as "Chalashim," weak, so as to temper their ego & remind them that their power emanates from G-d. And the holiday’s central icon, that lone, solitary cod of pure oil? It, too, oozes with humility. This little, unassuming cruse of oil, though tiny in volume, had the ability to fuel a marvelous miracle that would light up millions of homes for thousands of years. Amazing what just a little faith in a bottle can do, right?
So stay humble, little Israel; keep your ego in check. As long as you do, you will grow stronger & stronger & you will undoubtedly surpass all of your bigger & older "brothers."
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)
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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
