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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Vayikra
- Bechukotai
Indeed, while the Sedra’s opening 10 p’sukim highlight the rewards & miracles that will be showered upon us (abundant rain being one of them!) if we do observe the Mitzvot, the next 28 verses dwell on the repercussions for severing our connection to G-d. Why does the Torah use almost 3 times the space for the "down-side," as opposed to the "up-side?" Is it because we human beings tend to do wrong, triple as often as we do the right things?!
Our parsha contains just the first installment of the Tochacha; the "sequel" comes later, in Parshat Ki Tavo in Sefer Devarim. There we are told that these curses come upon us "because we did not serve G-d with joy, with a full heart &
appreciation for all we have been given." (Dev. 28:47). But how does one acquire that elusive virtue of happiness? Can we simply force ourselves to be joyous?
I suggest that happiness derives from two main sources: First, an appreciation of what we have, not what we lack. Look at all the blessings that surround us every moment of every day: We live longer than any generation, we eat better, we have "creature comforts" galore that our ancestors never dreamed of. We’ve been given Hashem’s most precious gift – a strong, independent State of Israel - for which we prayed, day & night, for 2000 years. It is filled with Torah,
and innumerable spiritual spaces (our own blessed city of Ra’anana has 85 shuls!). Do we appreciate all this? Does it not perforce make us happy & grateful to G-d?
The second source of happiness lies in our ability not to take, but to give. When we give to others, we not only have a good feeling for having helped someone in need or brightened their day, we also recognize just how lucky we are to be in a position to give. That is why "Love/Ahava" – perhaps the greatest source of joy –has at its heart the root of "Hav," giving at its center. And perhaps that is why the section of the Torah that immediately follows the Tochacha in our
Sedra discusses the voluntary gifts & contributions that people could give to the Bet HaMikdash.
Why is so little space devoted to the Brachot? I suggest it is because achieving blessing – the cause and effect of happiness – is so easy to accomplish! You’re depressed or down? Take stock of all the good things you have. Say
"Thank You" to Hashem! Give a gift! And when the chance to do a Mitzva comes your way, Just Say Yes!
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Rabbis in Midrash
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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
