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Beit Midrash
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But for all that, the story is not a pretty one. In fact, you might say that the selling of Yosef is "the sin that keeps on giving." Chazal say it is this horrendous crime that causes Bnei Yisrael to be enslaved in Egypt, enduring every kind of atrocity, for more than 100 years. And centuries later, in the infamous Eleh Ezkera/Martyrology section we read in the Yom Kippur Machzor, it surfaces again as background to the murder of Judaism’s leading rabbis.
Of course, it is based on a Battle between Brothers, an all-too-common malady that has afflicted us through the ages (bear in mind that our classic enemies – the Arabs of Yishmael, Moav, Edom/Europe & even Amalek are all related by blood to Am Yisrael!). In this case, it is Yosef’s siblings who despise Yosef almost beyond belief. This is strikingly demonstrated at the Sedra’s start. The pasuk (37:6) says "Yosef dreamt a dream & told his brothers, & they hated him even more." But only in the next pasuk does Yosef actually tell his brothers what the dream actually is! Their enmity is abstract, instinctive, automatic.
The pasuk also says, "They hated him, v’lo yachlu dabru l’Shalom." (They could not speak to him in peace). The Vilna Gaon comments: When a Jew takes leave of another Jew, he should not say, "Lech B’Shalom," which is more appropriate for the deceased, but rather "Lech L’Shalom," which is for the living. So pervasive was the brothers hate that they couldn’t even bring themselves to use the word "L’Shalom" when speaking to Yosef!
What can be done to correct this horrible malady?
Enter Chanuka. This story, too, sadly begins on a note of brotherly in-fighting. The Jews are divided between the Hellenists, who are intent on emulating the culture & mores of the Greeks, & the Chashmonaim, who firmly believe that only by preserving our uniquely Jewish way of life will we survive the ravages of history. The two factions of the Jewish People must confront one another & come to a meeting of the minds. Eventually, the nation rallies around the Maccabim; the Greeks are defeated & the purity of Am Yisrael is restored.
The lasting symbol of the holiday is, of course, the Chanukiya. Not only does it remind us of the power of faith & the danger of diluting Judaism, its many branches represent the reality that brothers can have their own identity, & standalone. Yet at the same time, we must remember that we come from the same base, the same source, & the unique light that each of us emanates also goes to the very same destination: Heaven & Hashem.
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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.
