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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Asher Ben Haim
The king may not acquire too many horses (Devarim 17:16) nor marry many wives nor accumulate much gold and silver (ibid.: 17). The Torah commands him to write a sefer Torah and take it with him so that he will fear Hashem (ibid.:18-19). The instructions are intended to keep him from being haughty or straying from the mitzvot of the Torah (ibid.:20).
The last few p’sukim deal with safeguards for the personal state of the king. But are the matters of accumulating horses, wives, and riches personal or public ones? The Rambam (Melachim 3:3-6) stresses the personal, psychological realm. He says that even one horse that is used just for his honor (and thus does not directly impact on the nation) is forbidden. Similarly he talks about wealth’s likelihood to cause haughtiness and compares it to drinking excessive wine, a weak point of kings. In regard to wives, he says that even if he had one wife with whom he cohabited incessantly "like the rest of the fools," it would be forbidden.
Other Rishonim present the matter differently. Rashi says that he should not have more horses than he needs for his chariots, so that he not cause Jews to go down to Egypt in search of horses. Ibn Ezra says that he should not collect too much gold and silver from the people as a form of punishment. In other words, there should be limitations on high taxation. The Ramban suggests that limiting horses discourages the king from over-reliance on his armed forces. All of these explanations share the element of addressing a specific national concern. Translating these concerns into modern terms, these binding tips relate to the dealings of the three most important ministries in Israel and other states.
The lesson of laws of horses is addressed to the defense apparatus. Do not rely too heavily on a powerful standing army. It places an economic drain on the country. It can also compromise the soldiers’ ability to function normally within society and family, while they are preoccupied with army service for unlimited periods of time.
The matter of wives is actually a warning to the diplomatic corps. Historically, royal marriages with foreign princesses were a major means of advancing international treaties. While diplomacy is good, its indiscriminate use can ruin the fabric of society.
The Torah also has a word for the Ministry of Finance. While the government should try to facilitate healthy, personal wealth, these laws teach us that a life of indulging in luxuries is morally dangerous, both for the king and the citizen.
In brief, our parasha can be instructive in trying to properly operate our Jewish State.
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
