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What is the significance of all of these places? The Ibn Ezra says simply that these are names of places that [happen to be] there. The Mechilta D’Rabbi Yishmael (Beshalach 1) shares with us the significance of these places. Chirot refers to the idol worship of the Egyptians. Between Migdol and the sea was the place of the greatness of Egypt, as their storehouses of precious metals were found there. Some say that these are hints at the events relating to Bnei Yisrael: they became bnei chorin (free men) at Pi Hachirot, and Migdol refers to the place that miracles were done for them (Midrash Aggada, Beshalach 14).
Some commentaries connect these places to other appearances of similar words in Tanach. Seder Olam Rabba (1) claims that Pi Hachirot was the new name of Pitom, one of the cities that the Israelite slaves built for Paroh (along with Rameses). The Land of Rameses was also the place where Yosef settled his father and family when they first came down to Egypt (Bereishit 47:1). The Mechilta says that this was also the place where Yosef gathered the gold and silver that he collected from selling the excess wheat. It was thus appropriate that Bnei Yisrael would take a major step toward receiving their due for their hard work and subjugation in that place. The Yerushalmi (Sanhedrin 10:1) posits that it was there that Korach uncovered the money that made him particularly wealthy.
The great wealth that Yosef accumulated during the years of famine had a part in the enslavement of the Jews in Egypt, as they were involved in building treasure houses for that wealth. On the other hand, the riches that Hashem promised to Avraham’s offspring when they would leave the land of their subjugation was partially fulfilled with money from Pi Hachirot. In yet another twist, the riches that came to Korach contributed to his feeling the confidence to challenge the authority of Moshe.
International commerce passed near Migdol (see Yirmiyahu 44:1), and the path nearby is called "the path of the Land of the Plishtim." This is also the route which must not be used in returning to live in Egypt (see Devarim 17:16).
Leaving Egypt includes the idea of extricating ourselves from the world of materialism, which Egypt represented. Even if the exposure to the materialism of Egypt can bring economic sufficiency, it is still not allowed. That is why Bnei Yisrael could not take the Migdol route and had to turn to the direction of the desert at that point (see Shemot 13:18).
May we merit seeing miracles like those at the time of the Exodus from Egypt (see Micha 7:15), and may material plenty serve to help us achieve spiritual emancipation.
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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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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
