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But Yitzchak? He is dragged around throughout his entire life: first to the Akeida, then to the Chupa, then by his wife & kids - no wonder he lived in the city of G'rar, which means "dragged!" He seems to be distant, detached, depressed. And his name Yitzchak (laughter); what’s that about? This is a funny guy?! I don’t think so!
But, of course, I was naive. I misjudged Yitzchak. I didn’t quite get it. But now I think I do.
It starts with a pasuk in our Sedra, the very first time we encounter Yitzchak since the traumatic Akeida. The pasuk says: And Yitzchak went out in the field "lasuach." Rashi translates this word "la'suach" as praying; that is, Yitzchak was davening (by tradition, the evening/Maariv prayer). But if it means praying, then why not use the more obvious & common word, l’hitpalel?
No, the term clearly connects to the word "siyach," conversation. Yitz wasn’t just praying to G-d; he was also talking to Him! The Medrash, elsewhere, asks why all the Matriarchs (including Leah) were initially barren & struggleD to have children. The Medrash replies: "Hashem desires the prayer & the talk/siyach of the righteous." G-d knows that only in the depth of our despair can we utter our most sincere & heartfelt prayers to Him.
But prayer, my friends, is not enough. G-d also wants us to TALK to Him, to express our inner feelings & share our concerns, our thoughts on life, love, the world, on G-d. He cares about what we have to say! And though we Jews maybe great daveners, scrupulous in every syllable, we don’t often just pull up a chair & talk to G-d, who, after all, is a Great Listener who won’t get distracted or interrupt us!
Yitzchak has a lot to talk to G-d about. His mother is dead, his father took him to be sacrificed, & he came this close to death. He has trouble communicating with his wife, & massive problems with his kids (sound familiar?). So if he spends an inordinate amount of time praying, communing, beseeching & discussing with Hashem, can you blame him? The two of them have a lot to work out.
And so do we. There is a time to pray to G-d, & a time to close our Siddur & talk to Him. And I’m not sure which is more holy & valuable, & which He desires most. So, let’s do both! Talk - at least with G-d - is anything but cheap.
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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)
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.
