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Beit Midrash
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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Yaakov Ben Behora
After the flood, Hashem made a covenant with the survivors that there would never again be a flood to destroy all of civilization. Commentaries wonder what the logic of such a promise is. If mankind’s behavior never warrants its destruction, then how could have Hashem brought on the mabul (flood) in the first place? And if mankind can deserve destruction, then why would Hashem promise not to give the proper punishment?
The Akeidat Yitzchak explains what changed after the mabul with an interesting thesis. The world before the flood deteriorated to a degree that demonstrated that it knew no limits or fears. Hashem could not allow it to continue that way. When ridding the world of the people and other vestiges of its decadence, He also introduced a concept that burrowed deep into the psyche of all future generations. The world was vulnerable to destruction if Hashem ruled that they deserved it. Paradoxically, even after Hashem promised not to bring on such massive destruction again, mankind internalized that it had to limit its corruption.
A further point that the Akeidat Yitzchak raises on behalf of the post-flood world is the fact that it was broken up into three groupings, according to the three sons of Noach. This, he says, ensures that even when one faction deteriorates dangerously in a certain direction, the others will not join in the same sins. They sin differently and separately, thus ensuring that the world will not fall to one great tragedy. (He explains the story of the Tower of Bavel in a way that it does not disprove his thesis about non-cooperation.)
Our modern, world community is impressively diligent in applying the lessons of the flood. Besides highlighting the flood with the UN’s symbol, we see that factionalism can still be broken up into threes, in a modern way. There are "three worlds" of socio-political groupings. Three major, monotheistic religions have been competing and fighting for the last millennium at least, with no sight of a let up. When one faction slips morally in a certain area, the other factions are there to remind it how it should be acting. (The criticizing faction may have been guilty of the same crime a few years before, but it enjoys showing how at the moment it is clean of the violation.) The United Nations is a great failure at creating world brotherhood and displaying moral consistency. However, the national infighting that skews so much of what goes on may have a part in the world’s fraternal checks and balances. This, paradoxically, according to the Akeidat Yitzchak, may help ensure that the world deserves escaping total destruction.
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(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)
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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
