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Beit Midrash
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But the end of this Sedra (chap. 24) takes a decidedly different turn, telling an esoteric, obscure story about the ascent of Moshe, Ahron & the 70 Elders to Har Sinai, & their dramatic encounter there with the Almighty.
In advance of their ascent, Moshe performs an elaborate, mysterious ritual. He builds a Mizbeyach at the foot of the mount, with 12 pillars representing the 12 Tribes. He then sends "the youth of Israel" to bring peace-offerings to
G-d. Moshe takes the blood of these offerings, throwing half of it on the Mizbeyach & then - after the nation takes the oath, ‘"We shall do, & we shall obey!" - Moshe sprinkles the rest of the blood on the people as the "seal" of the
brit. Moshe, Ahron, Nada, Avihu & the elders then go up the mount, where they "see Hashem," under whose "feet" is a sapphire brick, as "pure as the purest Heaven."
What can we make of this strange scene, & how does it connect to our sedra & its many commandments?
Rashi cites a Medrash that the sapphire brick represents the bricks which the Hebrew slaves made in Egypt, & is a memorial to all the suffering they endured there. Their devotion to G-d shines like a precious gem, & Hashem
looks upon that brick whenever His people fall short in their fulfillment of Mitzvot, such as those in our parsha. Then, rather than give in to His impulse to punish the sinners, G-d is moved to Divine mercy & forgiveness.
G-d is particularly affected by the blood of the young people, whose deaths serve as atonement for the entire nation. In their merit, the Brit (as with Brit Mila, also sealed with blood) is eternally upheld by the Almighty, no matter how
far we may stray from that initial, "Na’aseh V’Nishma."
This week, we mourn the brutal murder of a young Tzadik, Rav Itamar Ben-Gal, stabbed to death by yet another Palestinian terrorist – may they be driven out of our Land forever by our military & "Aish Ochelet," the consuming fire of Hashem. And may the blood of these Kedoshim atone for us, their "peace-offering" before Hashem bringing true & lasting Shalom to Am Yisrael.
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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.
