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Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Naso
In the most recent generations, this period corresponds to another area of uplifting – on a national level. We have gone from destruction to rebuilding, and from enslavement to independence and national success. We went from a partition plan with borders that "choked" us in 1947 to the great victories of 1967 and 1973. We went from a situation where in 1948 seven countries mercilessly attacked the only Jewish state in the world to the point where many of those nations no longer threaten us.
There are two terms that accompany us in the beginning of Sefer Bamidbar. Parashat Bamidbar is always read before Shavuot, and Parashat Naso is always read after it. These two parshiyot are replete with the terms "pakod" and "naso." On one level, each of the words means to count, and this is very appropriate for a sefer that Chazal called "Sefer Hapekudim," the Book of Countings.
These terms also are important between Pesach and Shavuot. Bamidbar starts with the command: "Raise the heads of the entire congregation of Israel." The terms "p’kod" (count) and "raise their heads," which are basically synonyms, are brought together several times (see Bamidbar 1:49).
In addition to "raising the head" referring to counting, it also can mean to appoint to a position of power, as happened to the sar hamashkim in Egypt (see Bereishit 40:20 with Unkelus and Rashi). The root pakod can also refer, in addition to counting, to the appointment of officers, as Yosef did for the Land of Egypt (Bereishit 41:34). It can also refer to selecting a punishment, as Hashem said he would do over history due to the sin of the Golden Calf (Shemot 32:34). Yet the same word pakod is used to announce the liberation (Bereishit 50:24).
Naso is used also as an expression of forgiveness and atonement ("noseh avon vafesha" – Shemot 34:7). On the other hand, Hoshea (1:6) uses the root to say that He will stop forgiving and start punishing them. Rashi explains that He will distribute to them that which is coming to them, in this case, for the negative. Radak explains it, that Hashem will lift up the enemies to bring them upon us.
Indeed, the idea of counting also has a two-edged sword. It can be an uplifting event in preparation for the entrance into Eretz Yisrael. If it is done in the wrong way and/or for the wrong reason, it can be the cause of a plague (Shemot 30:12).
Let us pray that we will experience pekida and nesi’at rosh in the positive senses of the terms. May we be elevated day-by-day until we are ready to fulfill our special standing in regard to our Torah and our 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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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
