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This link, however, may not be quite so definite. Ma'oz Tzur describes the hope and anticipation of complete salvation, the pinnacle of which is reached only by the re-building of the Temple. Therefore the mention of "Chanukat ha'Mizbeach" may very well relate to redemption generally and not to Chanukah specifically. In any case, we Jews have adopted the custom of singing Ma'oz Tzur on Chanukah (while a similar idea is reflected in saying "Ve'hi She'amda" on the Seder night and in the post-Megillah-blessing "Harav et Rivenu" on Purim).
The reason for this may be that the salvation of Chanukah is concealed. Thereafter our history, for thousands of years, is one of latent Divine Providence. At times, this makes it difficult to see Hashem's supervision when examining an individual event. But by appraising Jewish history as a whole – the Exodus from Egypt, Purim, the many wars that we have had to fight, etc. – as a revelation of the Divine Hand – we are able to understand that Divine Providence was at work on Chanukah, too. The message from the events of Chanukah to future generations reads loud and clear: Seek Hashem everywhere, even in the darkest, most hidden corners, for He is there!
This message of faith must follow us to the present, to events taking place in our time. It is certainly difficult to see Hashem's Hand in the tragic expulsion from Gush Katif, and the suffering and distress in its wake. Nevertheless, Divine Providence can be found in the return of some 3,000 of the wonderful people of Gush Katif to gainful employment – thanks to the help of our many partners. We have also been privileged to feel Hashem's enormous guidance and help with further Chessed projects which grew out of Jobkatif: Achotenu - for the Ethiopian community, Ta'asuchayil – for impoverished soldiers and Taasukati – professional career and employment guidance for sidelined population sectors.
Please G-d, we will continue to work to light the way for others – and to enable them to discover the great light within themselves.
Happy Chanukah!!
Rabbis in Midrash
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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)
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)
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
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
