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- Korach
There is a very deep connection between Moshe and Eliyahu, who were each the central prophets of their era. (In Eliyahu’s case, according to the midrash that he was Pinchas, he continued from the time of Moshe for hundreds of years.) It is appropriate that the last prophecy in Nevi’im connects them: "Remember the Torah of Moshe … I am sending you Eliyahu Hanavi …" (Malachi 3:22-23). Each of them had a revelation at Har Chorev, did not eat for 40 days and nights, and disappeared in a manner that there was no known burial place. Each left behind a disciple, whose names were basically synonymous (Yehoshua=Elisha). Yehoshua entered the land and first conquered Yericho and decreed that Jews should not live there; Elisha fixed the water in Yericho soon after Eliyahu’s death and enabled people to live there.
When Elisha left Yericho, he was approached by "small youngsters" who said to him, "Come, kere’ach (bald one), come, kere’ach" (Melachim II, 2:23). In Tzofnat Eliyahu, I explained that these were not youngsters in age, but they were men who lost their prophetic abilities when Eliyahu died. They were denying that Elisha inherited Eliyahu’s role by highlighting that Eliyahu had a lot of hair and Elisha was bald.
Is the linguistic similarity between Korach and kere’ach just a coincidence? Notice that there are other linguistic overlaps between the stories. The splitting open of the ground to devour Korach is described by the root bako, as is the killing (by bears) of the 42 "children" who mocked Elisha.
Eliyahu was connected to the rebuilding of Yericho in the following way. The navi tells that Chiel built Yericho and "paid for it" by his firstborn Aviram dying when he placed its foundations and his younger son Seguv dying when he erected its doors. This is followed by Eliyahu declaring that there would not be any rain in the Land without his approval (Melachim I, 16:34-17:1). Aviram was one of the leaders of Korach’s rebels.
Chazal’s expounding on these stories furthers the connections. Korach attacked Moshe by asking sets of questions which highlighted how the Torah defies normal logic (tzitzit for a tallit full of techelet; mezuza for a house full of sefarim). Achav used similar logic. Achav came to visit Chiel after his sons died and denied that their death had anything to do with Yehoshua’s curse. Achav made a logical claim. If Moshe’s curse of no rain if people leave Hashem did not work, as Achav led the people to idolatry and rain continued. Thus, certainly his disciple’s curse against builders of Yericho would not work. Eliyahu responded by invoking a drought, as Achav basically dared Hashem to do.
We thus have seen many similarities between Moshe and his disciple and Eliyahu and his, the opponents of each, and the root kere’ach. Each opponent questioned the prophetic legacy of one of the great prophets of all time.
May we merit the return of the prophecy and the mission of Eliyahu Hanavi.
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 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
