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This year, Shabbat & Shavuot are connected, & so their respective readings must also have a direct kesher. Sefer Bamidbar contains the well-known Mitzva of Pidyon Ha-Ben, the redemption of first-born sons, still done today. More on this in a moment.
The story of Rut is a compelling one, establishing the roots (pun intended) of the Davidic dynasty & Moshiach. Its central message, along with stressing the midot of Chesed & Emuna, is two-fold: Moshiach, & Geula, can come from the least-expected of places; and each & every person, no matter their background or humble beginnings or level of knowledge, can be an essential part of the process.
But often overlooked is the "story within the story," the poignant & impressive personal journey of redemption taken by Naomi. Here is a woman that loses everything of value in her life. She had notoriety, as the wife of the prominent Elimelech, a direct descendant of Nachshon, the celebrated prince of Shevet Yehuda. She had wealth, she had respect, she had two sons who themselves were quite distinguished citizens of Bet Lechem – Efrat.
But then, in a whirlwind of tragedy, she loses it all: First, she severs her connection with friends & family by leaving Eretz Yisrael. Her children marry non-Jewish women. Her husband loses his wealth. And then, one by one, her loved ones die. Alone, adrift, stripped of her former high status, she is reduced to begging, subject to shame & humiliation from everyone she encounters.
"Don’t call me Naomi, "pleasant," she tearfully pleads, "call me Mara,"bitter."
But Naomi somehow finds the inner strength to gather up her courage & start the long trek back to respectability & new life. The first step is coming home, to Israel, despite the embarrassment this engenders. Next is reaching out, via Ruth, to her kinsman Boaz, to resume her lineage. The Megila dramatically indicates the surrogate role Rut plays on behalf of her alter-ego Naomi. When Rut lays next to Boaz, the k’tav (the way the word is written, rather than the way it is pronounced) reads, "I (Naomi) will go to the granary, & I (Naomi) will lie there." And when a child is born, the neighbors declare: "A son is born….to Naomi!" Ruth may be the body performing these actions, but Naomi is clearly the soul.
Each year, when Shavuot comes, we stand again at the foot of Har Sinai. It is a brand new revelation, another chance to accept the Torah & renew our vows, our "Shavuot" with Hashem. No matter how far we may have strayed from
the Torah or its Mitzvot, we rediscover our "Ruts" & we, too, like Naomi, have a chance at Redemption – as a person & as a People.
Igrot Hare’aya Excitement over a Friend’s New Newspaper – #319
Date and Place: 4 Menachem Av 5670 (1910), Rechovot
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)
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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
