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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- D'varim
- Ki Tavo
Our Sedra contains a "pledge of allegiance" of its own. In a rather unusual ceremony, 6 of the Shvatim would stand on Har G’rizim (near Shechem) & 6 would stand on Har Eival below them in the valley. The leaders of the Levi’im would pronounce 12 blessings & curses – diverse Mitzvot between Man & G-d, Man & his fellow Man, legal & moral imperatives - & the tribes would respond with "Amen!" This was a kind of "rite of passage" - literally! - that accompanied our entrance into Israel, as we declared openly & publicly that Hashem & the Torah would be our primary guide & guidebook in the new land.
But this ceremony was essentially one-sided; Hashem (via the Levi’im) would tell us what was expected of us, & we would proclaim our assent. As Moshe declares in no uncertain terms: "You will listen to the voice of Hashem, & do all his Mitzvot & decrees." (27:10)
But there is another fascinating passage in the Sedra that is decidedly not one-sided, but rather a two-way street. Says the pasuk, "Et Hashem he’e’marta hayom lih’yot l’cha la’lokim…..v’Hashem he’e’mircha hayom lih’yot lo l’am segula – You have declared today that Hashem will be a G-d for you; and Hashem has declared today that you will be his most treasured nation."
This is a profound message most fitting for Elul – "Ani L’dodi, v’Dodi Li." G-d is telling us that we have a mutual pact & partnership between us; each of us has our own responsibilities & requirements. It is not a master-slave relationship, a "my way or the highway" arrangement. It is about respect & reverence that goes both ways.
One Rosh Hashana night, a Chasid had a dream in which G-d appeared to him. When he awoke, he ran to tell his Rebbe what happened. "Rather boldly," said the chasid, "I spoke out & said, ‘Hashem, it seems clear to me that as much as I need you, You need me! For without me & others like me, who would keep Your Mitzvot?! Who would study Your Torah?! Who would pray to You?! And so let’s make a deal; I will continue to follow Your ways, & You grant me & my family a New Year of Life & blessing.’
And you know what? G-d agreed to my proposal!"
The Rebbe grabbed his student by the collar & cried, "You fool! If you already had the Almighty exactly where you want Him, why didn’t you demand the Moshiach?!"
There is a time to be soft-spoken, & a time to be outspoken. This Rosh Hashana, let us pledge to keep our part of the bargain, & humbly request of G-d to keep His.
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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.
