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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
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In our parasha, we find that Bnei Yisrael "stood at the bottom of the mountain" (Shemot 19:17), from which the gemara (Shabbat 88a) learns that Hashem held the mountain over the people’s heads. About that great event at Sinai, when the people said "We will do and listen," the midrash (Shemot Rabba 42:8) says that they spoke differently than was in their hearts. But how could they have spoken deceitfully, if as a result of their great statement, the angels rewarded them by giving them special crowns (gemara, ibid.)?
We find that Bnei Yisrael soared up to the high level that enabled them to accept the Torah in an unnaturally precipitous manner (49 levels of impurity to 49 levels of sanctity). How did this occur? The turnabout was made possible by a unique revelation of the Divine Presence, especially at the Splitting of the Sea (Mechilta, Beshalach 3). The incredible revelation created a situation in which there was no room for doubts about Hashem, so that there was almost a suspension of free will. How can one refuse to accept the Torah and mitzvot when he clearly sees Hashem’s greatness?! This is the deeper meaning of holding the mountain over the people’s heads. It turns out, then, that Bnei Yisrael were not being deceitful when they said "we will do and listen," but rather because of their overwhelming experience, they were unable to have the decision percolate through their consciousness. This is the idea of there being a difference between their statement and their hearts.
How did they reach this level? It came from the unity which Chazal saw in the encampment at Sinai (see Rashi to Shemot 19:2). This is because every person has two types of spiritual power: that which emanates from innate spiritual qualities (segula); that which results from positive actions. The fact that even a sinful Jew is considered a Jew (Sanhedrin 44a) stems from the segula. However, the strength of this segula is predicated on the nation being unique and united, so the unifying factor impacts their souls. For this reason, the mutual responsibility of members of the nation for the sins of others began only when the nation crossed into Eretz Yisrael. Only when unified by acquiring the Land together could every individual be compared to various limbs of one body. The segula found full expression, so that any straying from the path of the Torah was antithetical to the national existence. We praise the unity in Israel because it ultimately necessitates that Torah will exist. At some point, the sinning will come to its end and the nation will return to fulfillment of the Torah. "He built the Heavens level upon level, and His congregation He founded on the land."
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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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.
