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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
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- Sukkot
- The Essence of Sukkot
But there is another side of Sukkot, which brings elements of the Yamim Nora’im mood into the festive holiday. It is the time of the year that we are judged on the water supply for the upcoming year (Rosh Hashana 16a). Although during the time of the Beit Hamikdash, the Simchat Beit Hasho’eva put on an overflowing happy face to the thought of water (Sukka 51a), during Hoshana Rabba and the Tefillat Geshem on Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah, we approach the issue more solemnly.
Is this complexity just a "coincidence," due to the proximity of Sukkot to the new rainy season in Eretz Yisrael? Even if it were, it would still highlight the fact that Hashem created life in Eretz Yisrael, the national and natural home of the Jewish People, in a manner that makes the end of one agricultural year the beginning of the preparations for the next one. There is no greater classical determinant for the success of the upcoming crop than rain (see Devarim 11:17) and rain in Eretz Yisrael is a major focus of Hashem (ibid. 12). So our first preparation for the new crop, as we celebrate the previous one, is to daven for rain.
Soon after praying for rain, in the early autumn/winter months, a farmer has to decide about his level of ambition and optimism. Does he have enough belief in what Hashem has planned for his year to allocate a lot of grain for sowing and future gain, instead of eating it for present comfort (see Tosafot, Shabbat 31a)? He is encouraged by last year’s crop, but nervous as seen in the need to daven with great fervor for the rain. Perhaps he takes the lesson from Yom Kippur – after the hard spiritual work, we are optimistic. Perhaps he is inspired by the reminders of the sukkot in which our nation dwelled – reminders that when Hashem wants to give us blessing, nothing can stop His help for those He loves.
Although agriculture now plays a much smaller part in the lives of most of us, the lessons are similar. We have to make decisions about personal parallels to sowing the land and rain. We can use our resources (including our time and energy) for building in a way that makes life somewhat challenging – such as starting a family, making aliya, embarking on an ambitious positive project. May we be inspired by the holy and happy holiday of Sukkot to, on the one hand, not take things for granted but to turn to Hashem in prayer. On the other hand, let us use a healthy dose of bitachon to be active in chasing those dreams.
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)
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
