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Beit Midrash
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It is not possible to fully appreciate words of Torah without having made a mistake about them. We recognize light only through the experience of darkness. We do not feel the extent of our connection to Eretz Yisrael and the extent of the connection of the Jews of the Diaspora to Eretz Yisrael without visiting chutz la’aretz.
Here, Eretz Yisrael represents a grand aspiration for a full Jewish life that a Jew in the Diaspora does not believe he can bring to fruition. When one is abroad, Eretz Yisrael is like a mikdash. Whatever exists in Israel is not evaluated according to its material aspect, but it is elevated to spiritual values.
Even if Jews abroad have freedom and feel totally secure and steeped in plenty, even if they have authentic Torah and yeshivot, it is not the same thing. It is true that the Shechina goes to the place where Bnei Yisrael are sent into exile (Bamidbar Rabba 7:10), as they experienced in Egypt, where yeshivot were set up (ibid. 95:3), but it is still different.
The main thing that is missing here in chutz la’aretz is not the element of the Shechina that is for the purposes of man. The bigger problem is that which is missing as far as the dwelling of the Shechina for the purposes of Hashem – the idea of "Israel, that in you I [Hashem] will be glorified" (Yeshayahu 49:3). It is the situation in which a holy nation lives as a self-sustaining country, and puts the forms of government in place. Their nation is built not around the competition of athletes, taking journeys, or having a comfortable life. Rather they live as a nation in order to implement justice, seek the spiritual side of life, have the Shechina dwell, and thereby coronate Hashem in the world. The task of life, which is engrained in the blood of every Jew and makes him strive for such excellence, makes him want to connect himself to Eretz Yisrael.
Sometimes, due to the daily struggles, this matter is forgotten. That is why there is a value to hear from those who are coming from the outside and be reminded how special life in Israel is. We do not want this Land because of its material advantages. We want it because we feel that the content of our life is not complete without it. This we should remember even when things are trying.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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)
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.
