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Many reasons are given for Moshe’s desperate desire to live in Israel, the main one being that he wished to fulfill the Mitzvot that can only be earned in Israel. Others say it wasn’t about any specific Mitzvot; it was simply Moshe’s steadfast belief that each & every Jew should live in the Holy Land, surrounded by the Kedusha that permeates this - & only this - land. As a Jew, he wanted to be here.
This helps answer why Moshe wasn’t content to reside in the land east of the Jordan where, says G’mara Bikkurim, the Mitzvot T’luyot B’Aretz apply no less than west of the Jordan. While that is true, that area is still not quite Israel proper, & is not connected directly to Yerushalayim, so Moshe would not have been satisfied with that.
Yet there is another reason why Moshe did not want to "settle" for settling in trans-Jordan. Some commentaries say Moshe also wanted to be part of the war of conquest that would be fought against the 7 Canaanite nations who then resided within the land. He wanted to join a brigade & fight side-by-side with Israel’s brave soldiers, under Yehoshua’s command, & be one of those to liberate Eretz Yisrael & claim it People forever. This z’chut of being a chayal, Moshe felt, was among the greatest merits he could ever gain in this world. That was a central part of his determination to cross over the border into Israel along with the rest of the nation.
This past week, the IDF entered into its ranks hundreds of new draftees, including many "lone soldiers" who have volunteered to come from abroad to serve Israel. Our holy chayalim are Hashem’s messengers who guard our land & exemplify the fullest expression of mesirat nefesh, self-sacrifice, Judaism’s highest value. No one - not the greatest Rosh Yeshiva, the most respected professor or most prominent political leader - can stand in the company of the soldiers & not be humbled by their bravery & love for their country & people. All must stand gratefully in respect of them.
This week’s Haftora ends: "Hashem brings forth the troops, calling each by name, instilling them with great strength & courage; not a single one is missing." May it be so; may our soldiers prevail in their Avodat HaKodesh.
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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
