YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- D'varim
- Ki Tetze
actually occurred).
It’s hard, if not impossible, for us to relate to these far-out scenarios. But on an allegorical level – especially since the Book of Devarim is essentially about Moshe’s final Musar to the Jewish People – these items may very well make a whole lot of sense, both for then, as well as for our own era & contemporary society.
The rebellious "child" is Am Yisrael, for we have indeed strayed as a nation from the path that has been set out for us; we have not always listened to the voice of our "Father" – Hashem, nor our "mother," our ancestors. In the "battle" that we fight constantly against our own inclinations, we have often succumbed to the perceived beauty of the "Eshet Y’Fat To’ar," the captive woman who represents the forbidden fruit of sin. We desired her, we took her as our close companion, our lover. But when we removed her glossy, shiny cover – when we "shaved her head" & "trimmed her fingernails" - we saw that the sin wasn’t nearly as attractive as it was when it first seduced us & appealed to our lesser, baser inclinations.
But all is not lost. For just as with the man who has two wives - & wishes to favor the child who is born to his more beloved second wife – Hashem will not allow His firstborn, however scorned, to be superseded by that second child. Even if we, the Jewish People, at times take on the guise of a non-believer; even if another nation appears to be more pious & G-d-fearing than us, Hashem still "recognizes" His children, for deep down he knows that we will return to
Him & assume our rightful status.
The word "Yakir-recognize" is connected to "Yakar – precious." Like a person who sees his long-lost relative after a very long time apart (as happened dramatically this past week in Korea), Hashem instantly recognizes His chosen people & loves us – if not for what we are now, then for what we inevitably will be.
And so Moshe Rabbeinu, ever the quintessential teacher, is sending us a veiled, yet vitally important message in the opening p’sukim of Ki Tetze. He is telling us that life is a constant battle between right & wrong, between good &
evil, between faith & the failure to appreciate the unique connection we have to G-d. He is telling us to soldier on, until we win both the battle and the war for our soul.
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
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)
Rabbis in Midrash
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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)
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)
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
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
