YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Shlach Lecha
Chazal teach us that when the Torah says, after the spies’ report, "The nation cried on that night," this refers to the night of Tisha B’Av, on which we mourn the destruction of our Temples (Ta’anit 29a). Hashem said: "You cried for no reason; I will set for you a crying that will last for generations" (ibid.).
Rav Yaakov Lorberbaum, known as "the Netivot," explains in a similar light the beginning of Megillat Eicha: "How did the city with a large population sit alone? It was like a widow. The important nation among nations was plundered. She will cry in the nights with her tear on her cheek." Most commentaries explain that the second pasuk is a consequence of the first. In other words, because there was destruction, there was crying. However, the Masoretic texts have a break between the p‘sukim, implying that there is not a regular progression between the ideas. Rav Yaakov understood that this indicates the opposite order. Because there was crying in the night, at the time of the meraglim, the Beit Hamikdash was later destroyed.
One of the special laws of Eretz Yisrael is that one is required to establish rabbinical courts with dayanim semuchim (full ordination and authority). There were a Supreme Beit Din in the Lishkat Hagazit section of the Temple, special courts of 23 dayanim, and regular courts of three in every city (see Rambam, Sefer Hamitzvot, Aseh 176).
A Jewish government in Eretz Yisrael is necessary for the existence of a Torah-based judicial system. More than 2,000 years ago, along with the collapse of the Jewish kingdom, the beit din system crumbled. The Romans also decided that by forbidding ordination, they could ensure that the Jews would not return to independence in Eretz Yisrael.
This week we commemorate the 23rd yahrtzeit of our leader, Rav Shaul Yisraeli z.t.l. One of the challenges with which he charged us was to strengthen adjudication in Israel according to Torah law. He viewed the establishment of a network of batei din to rule according to Halacha and be integrated with public life in Israel, whose rulings would be upheld by the Law of Arbitration, as an important step in the reestablishment of national life. We will succeed even further if a work of the scope of the Shulchan Aruch, which will aid in the application of Halacha to modern applications in the State of Israel, will emerge.
When Israel was established 70 years ago, the Knesset adopted Ottoman and English law as the basis for the Israeli court system. Jewish law has not yet turned into its cornerstone. 500 years earlier, there were three efforts of legal codification occurring simultaneously. The Shulchan Aruch, written by Rav Yosef Karo in Safed (along with the Rama in Cracow) was accepted as the basic code of Jewish life, at a time when the rebuilding of Jewish life in Eretz Yisrael was beginning. L’havdil, the British Empire, under Elizabeth I, completed the codification of English law and Suleiman the Great did the same for Ottoman law.
Let us pray that we will soon see the fulfillment of Rav Yisraeli’s vision. Mishpat Ivri will be an ever-growing force in the laws of the State and will replace the Ottoman and English systems. The more our Eretz Hemdah-Gazit network sanctifies Hashem’s name, the sooner this will occur.
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
Lessons
fast navigation
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
