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We will soon commemorate Lag Ba’omer, which according to many, highlights the bravery of the talmidim of Rabbi Akiva – who were the fighters of Bar Kochva – who were apparently killed in their battle against the Roman Empire (because they did not treat each other with respect). Their fight was done as part of a heroic effort to restore independence to Israel. Lag Ba’omer also commemorates the sanctity of the Torah, especially in light of the revealing of its inner elements by Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai and his disciples over the generations. The flame of sanctity of Bar Yochai, commemorated with the symbolic lighting in Meiron, has only a weak connection to the "culture" of pollution and dangerous bonfires that are lit throughout the country.
The revealing of secrets of the Torah was strengthened tremendously from the time that Rav Yosef Karo and his colleagues, and finally the Arizal and his students, returned to Eretz Yisrael and settled in Safed. Rav Shlomo Alkabetz, the student and friend of Rav Yosef Karo regarding matters of Torah secrets, left for the Jewish people his beautiful poem, "Lecha Dodi," which deals with longings for liberation from both a political and internal, spiritual perspective. This combination is based on the idea that the book and the sword came down together.
The pioneer "sword-holders" of our times (most of whom had little to do with our holy books), came to Israel as part of an attempt to build an independent Jewish state in Eretz Yisrael. They adopted the theme of bonfires with a feeling of connection to Bar Kochva’s fighters, but without a connection to Bar Yochai and his disciples.
We have to look at the connection between the bonfires and kumzitzes of the Israeli pioneers, captured in the famous poem by Chaim Cheffer, "Dudu," and between the holy fire of the study of Torah. We will continue next week. In the meantime we will try to strengthen our approach of connecting the sword and the book – which represents our attempt to strengthen the State of Israel from both a national and a spiritual, Torah-based perspective.
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
