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Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Pinchas
The Netziv (introduction to Bamidbar) deepened the idea along the thesis of the Chizkuni’s second answer. The reason that Chazal highlighted the censuses in Bamidbar is that there is great significance to the change in focus between the book’s beginning (in the desert) and end (preparing to enter the Land). In the desert, they were in a mode of grandeur with an abnormal life filled with miracles. In Eretz Yisrael, they followed natural paths, with Hashem leading them in a concealed manner. In the desert, it was like traveling in the day, and in Eretz Yisrael, it was like traveling at night. Divine Providence only showed flashes, like lightning at night. That is why in the first census, things were done according to the order of the banners, on four sides, like the "chariots" of the Divine Throne. That is the reason that Ephrayim is found there before Menashe. This was different in the 40th year counting in Pinchas. What the Netziv does not explain is what impact the nature of the census has on the choice of which son of Yosef to lead.
We will continue by melding together the Chizkuni’s two answers. Fundamentally, Ephrayim received the leadership of Yosef’s family from both Yaakov and Moshe. Yaakov put his right hand on Ephrayim’s head and said that people would bless their children by saying: "Hashem should make you like Ephrayim and Menashe" (Bereishit 48:20). Moshe also mentioned Ephrayim first in his closing beracha (Devarim 33:17). Not always did Menashe accept the second-place finish, as we see in Yiftach’s harsh reaction to the criticism of his brethren from Ephrayim (Shoftim 12).
On the eve of the entry into Eretz Yisrael, Bnei Yisrael came to the Gilad, which the tribe of Menashe viewed as home, especially the children of Menashe who came from an Aramite concubine, including Machir (see Divrei Hayamim I, 7:14). Our census puts great stress on this part of the family, as Machir and his descendants make up eight of the families mentioned (Machir, his son Gilad, and six of Gilad’s children). Since this part of the family seized an important leadership role, we understand why they were mentioned in a prominent location. In this context, we will look next week at the special status of the daughters of Tzlofchad in this matter.
Indeed we learn that every person has his unique contribution to make and role to fill. Leadership competition that hurts unity does not promote our interests.
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)
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
