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Beit Midrash
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What is this idea of malchut which we are linked to? Usually it means rulership. The king rules over someone, who is under his control as his servant. If this is the meaning, then it is difficult. Should it be our desire to rule over others? If so, what does it mean that we are all fit for kingdom? After all, if we are all kings, who we will be king over? If it means that we will rule over other nations, it is still difficult in light of the hope for the End of Days that there will not be conflict between nations and everyone will subscribe to the proposition that "beloved is man who is created in Hashem’s image."
Malchut is a characteristic of the spirit, which gives one a certain power, irrespective of whether he controls anyone else. A person can be a king even if he possesses no more than "a stick and a backpack." One who has such an internal power often induces others to follow him. But what constitutes this power, and what is the opposite – avdut (servitude)?
When Avraham’s servant Eliezer suggested his daughter should marry Yitzchak, Avraham replied: "You are cursed and I am blessed, and the cursed cannot cling to the blessed" (Bereishit Rabba 59). If Eliezer being cursed was just about his being a servant, Avraham could have solved the problem by releasing him!
The first time being cursed and being a servant are connected is in regards to Noach’s grandson, C’na’an (Bereishit 9:25). There the implication is that because he was cursed, he will be a servant, not vice versa. Rather, such people have a negative characteristic, and this played a role in their becoming servants. Let us look to the story of Eliezer to learn more.
The midrash (ibid.) says that while Avraham told Eliezer to look for a wife for Yitzchak from Avraham’s family, Eliezer was plotting how to arrange a match between Yitzchak and his own daughter. Only afterwards did he discover that this would be impossible. Realize that Eliezer had greatness, so much so that Lavan thought that he might be Avraham (ibid. 60). He also is described as disseminating Avraham’s teachings and ruling over his evil inclinations. Why should it not be possible for such a person’s daughter to be fit for Yitzchak? Why was it wrong for him to plan and try to arrange such a match?
We will continue with an explanation next time.
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.
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(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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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.
