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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
- Vayechi
I suggest that there is one answer to both questions. If there is one family flaw, one malady that has plagued us thru the generations, it is that of intense sibling rivalry. Yitzchak vs. Yishmael. Yakov vs. Esav. The brothers vs. Yosef. It is precisely because Menashe says nothing & does not protest Efraim’s blessing that these two boys are eternalized as a paradigm of Jewish love & unity.
Certain key individuals in our history nurture & guide us, like a loving mother. They are represented by the letters Alef & Mem, which form the word, Aym, or mother:
Adam, the first human being, begins with an Alef & ends with a Mem; Avraham, the first Jew, begins with an Alef & ends with a Mem; Aharon & Moshe’s initials are Alef & Mem; Esther & Mordechai’s initials are Alef & Mem.
Add to this prestigious company Yosef’s sons. So crucial is it that we Jews – who regard one another as Achim, brothers – get along with each other & learn to co-exist, that we choose to bless our sons with the hope that they will be like Efraim, & especially like Menashe, who voiced no protest, no jealous reaction to his brother’s blessing.
I suggest this is also why Yakov cryptically said of E & M, "They will be to me like Reuven & Shimon!" True, these were Yakov’s first 2 sons. But they certainly weren’t his pride & joy; Yehuda or Yissachar might have been better choices. But Reuven & Shimon were instrumental in throwing Yosef into the pit; perhaps Yakov is saying that Efraim & Menashe, via their brotherly love, will be the tikun, the correction, for the cruel actions of their uncles.
There is, of course, one more Alef & Mem combination – the most important one of all - that is yet to come. That, of course, is the team of Eliyahu & Moshiach. They will arrive on the scene when all the diverse Jews of the world – observant, secular, Sefardi, Ashkenazi, Chasid & Mitnaged, convert or natural-born - have learned to focus on the positive merits of our fellow Jews rather than accentuate their differences. B’ezrat Hashem, with lots of left-Mem - Ahava & Mesirat Nefesh - we shall get there.
Rabbi Stewart Weiss
Was ordained at the Hebrew Theological College in Skokie, Illinois, and led congregations in Chicago and Dallas prior to making Aliyah in 1992. He directs the Jewish Outreach Center in Ra'anana, helping to facilitate the spiritual absorption of new olim.
Jewish Laws and Thoughts Shul “etiquette:” can we honor Hashem while respecting our fellow congregants?
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)
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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
