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Beit Midrash
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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Asher Ben Haim
In these p’sukim Adam is called for the time, "ish" (man), which is the primary word for a member of the male gender (as opposed to ha’adam, which is related to Adam’s specific name). Chava (Eve) is generally called "the woman," especially after the great sin, when she was decreed to suffer difficulties in childbearing (ibid. 3:16). Her given name, Chava, is also related to her role as the bearer of future generations of humans. Indeed, most of the description of human history throughout the parasha relates to the birth of children. (Note that the word, "toldot," refers both to begetting children and to history.) At the end of the parasha, there is an account of the powerful males who improperly grabbed women at will and had powerful sons. In total the verb for having children (yalad) appears in our parasha over forty times.
Before addressing the lessons behind these facts, let us observe another couple of things. In discussing man and woman in the "first perek," the Torah does not use the terms of ish and isha but the colder, more scientific terms of zachar (male) and n’keiva (female). The very end of the parasha describes Hashem’s "regret" at making man and His decision to erase all life on the face of the earth. This matter cannot be separated from the story of sexual impropriety that directly precedes these p’sukim. As Chazal tell us, humans’ failure to keep the rules of sexual conduct caused the problem to spread to the rest of creation. Animals began mating with other species, and even vegetation did not always reproduce according to its seeds (Yalkut Shimoni, Bereishit 47).
When man and woman can be described only as male and female, it is premature to talk about relationships and the birth of children from their interaction. When they are ish and isha, which hints at their sharing in their union Hashem’s Name, their union is significant. The couple’s relationship must not be limited to themselves, but must also be a means to inhabit the world. Deterioration in the standards in this matter may bring the disintegration of the world and even its destruction. In our times, when the challenges to the family unit are so daunting, we should learn the lesson of the beginning of the story of humanity.
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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
