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Beit Midrash
- Shabbat and Holidays
- Sukkot
- The Essence of Sukkot
I once asked the question, "If you had only 1 solitary day to do Mitzvot, what day would you choose?" The best answer to that question is, "Today!" Because you never pass up a Mitzva today, even to do two Mitzvot tomorrow.
But the second best answer to that question may very well be "the first day of Sukkot." Because look at all the many Mitzvot that we fulfill on this one day: We have all the Mitzvot included in every Chag (Kiddush & Seudat Mitzva, Simchat Yom Tov, special Tefilot such as Hallel & Torah readings, etc.) plus the added Mitzvot of Sukka, taking of the Lulav & Etrog, & Hoshanot.
But please note the unique duality at work here. On the one hand, we are told to move out of our elegant & fortified homes into small huts, sparsely furnished & featuring leaky roofs & shaky walls. The message being sent is that our true Protector is Hashem - upon whom we are totally dependent - for only He can guarantee our safety & security. With Him, even the flimsiest shack is secure; without Him, no fortress is invulnerable.
Yet at the same time, we know that the state of "Shev v’al ta’aseh – sit & do nothing" is less than an ideal state for Am Yisrael. And so, although just entering a Sukka fulfills a Mitzva, Chazal prescribe eating food there & saying abracha that includes "layshayv b’Sukka." And we show further action when we take the Arba Minim & wave them in every direction; some even move their bodies while doing the waving. And we get out of our seats & walk around the Bet Knesset as we recite the Hoshanot. The message here is that we must become personally & physically involved in the experience of Judaism, rather than be silent, passive & detached.
This past week, Am Yisrael suffered a tragic loss when Ari Fuld HY"D was murdered by yet another cowardly Palestinian terrorist (who has since been praised & monetarily rewarded by the evil Palestinian Authority). Ari (like all the Ari’s I know!) was not content to just sit on the sidelines & silently watch Israel go by. He was filled with an inexhaustible energy; a doer, an activist whose every moment, every talent was devoted to Israel’s well-being & success. Even when mortally wounded, he courageously fought back.
The greatest tribute we can give Ari, the greatest memorial to his life, is for us to become more involved ourselves, banishing our apathy & inertia & doing whatever we can to destroy our enemies, while building up our people and our country. Each of us has our own unique strengths; let us identify & utilize them for a greater cause.
The symbolism of the circles we make during Hoshanot & the Na’anuim we do with the Lulav are reminders that each & every one of us can be a mover & a shaker!
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
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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
