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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Vayikra
- Behar
the opening phrase of the Parsha: "When you shall come to the land which I am giving you...." that is, Israel.
But wait a moment - is it so clear?! Why does Shmita adhere only to the Land of Israel? Why don’t ALL Jews practice Shmita wherever they live, on whatever land they own? After all, there are other agricultural-type laws that
apply equally to Israel & the Diaspora: We may not plow with two different types of animals, or muzzle an ox anywhere we farm, or graft certain plants together; we raise up a Lulav & Etrog anywhere we live, etc.
And as for this phrase, "When you come to the Land," well, that same phrase preceded the Mitzva of the Omer in last week’s Sedra. And while we no longer bring an Omer offering today (anywhere), we do observe the counting of the Omer in Israel and in Chutz L’Aretz!
I suggest, therefore, that Shmita is sending a special message to us: THE LAND OF ISRAEL IS NOT LIKE ANY OTHER LAND! For while all land has life within it, Eretz Yisrael has something extra - a neshama! It not only lives, it feels.
When we are exiled from it, the land mourns - like a barren woman - & will not produce its fruit. When we come back to Israel, the Land rises up & rejoices – "the mountains dance like rams" - as we say in Hallel. And when we observe Shmita, the Land has compassion upon us & produces an extra-large harvest in the years preceding the 7th, taking special care to provide us with enough produce to last almost three years.
Five times in the five p'sukim that describe Shmita, the Torah mentions the word Shabbat. The Torah is telling us that just as man works 6 days & rests on the 7th, so the Land does its work for 6 years & then rests on the 7th. Yet it’s telling us even more than that: Shabbat adds a unique dimension to humanity. Daily life is about working, sustenance, conquering the earth & mastering our environment. Shabbat is the neshama that invigorates our life & gives it purpose, meaning, redemption - & a glimpse of Olam Haba.
That is the reason why Shmita applies only in Israel: The Mitzva of nourishing the soul of the land can only be done in the sole place where the eternal soul of the Jew resides, & that, of course, is Israel.
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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.
