YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Vayikra
- Vayikra
In the days of the forefathers, Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov, offerings held an important place in the service of Hashem. They built altars (see Bereishit 12:7-8). They also erected matzevot (sacrificial monuments) (ibid. 28:18,22). They apparently even served Hashem under trees that they sanctified for service of Hashem (see ibid. 21:33 and Tzofnat Yeshayahu, end of perek 6).
When the Torah was given, service involving matzevot and consecrated trees became forbidden (Devarim 16:21-22). While serving Hashem through offerings on altars remained permitted, the Torah did limit the place where it could be done. During the 369 years that the altar was in Shilo and then the 410 years in the Beit Hamikdash in Yerushalayim, offerings could be given only in these places.
After the first Beit Hamikdash was built, sacrifices became permanently forbidden on bamot (altars other than the central one for the whole nation). The ramification was that most of the public did not have an opportunity to sacrifice at most times during the year. One can view this limitation as a spiritual message that opposes too much sacrificial activity and the resulting dependency on it in order to attain closeness to Hashem.
Despite the Torah’s prohibitions in these regards, large numbers of Jews in the First Commonwealth period were unwilling to give up sacrificing on bamot, which existed throughout the country. Even when the Judean kings were righteous, they were unable to stamp out the practice, until the times of Yoshiayahu, close to the destruction of the Beit Hamikdash.
We will now try to demonstrate that the forbidden use of matzevot existed as well. In describing Avshalom’s desire for continuity despite the lack of children, the navi mentions his making of a "matzevet," and the related root is found in different forms in the few relevant p’sukim (Shmuel II, 18:17) three times.
Whenever a matzeva is mentioned in Tanach, the Targum (Aramaic translation) renders it as kamata or kama, meaning a standing object. It was a large rock which was placed in a place of worship, upon which libations of wine or of oil would be poured.
There is a spiritual connection between the claim that it is wrong to forbid altars and the claim that worship on matzevot should be permitted. Avshalom’s erecting of a matzeva was a "religious" act that went along with his approach that it was proper to have additional animal sacrifices, in various places. The fact that Avshalom is portrayed in a negative light also paints his activity in this regard negatively as well.
Let us pray that we will be able to increase and strengthen the feeling of and yearning for closeness to Hashem. In our times, we can do this by teaching Torah in a manner that sanctifies Hashem’s
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
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
