YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
- Bereshit
The layout of the Creation story is to first present the broad, general outline of the 7 days of creation, & only later provide the details. This is most obvious in the creation of Man, as the Torah "fills in the blanks" quite a few p’sukim after the initial subject is recorded.
This is also true regarding the creation of the Earth’s vegetation. The Torah first says that G-d created herbs, grass & fruit-bearing trees on Day 3. Hashem then tells Adam on Day 6, "I have given you all that grows to serve as food for you." This is all in chapter 1.
But it is only in chapter 2 that we find a slight, yet significant revision: Yes, says the Torah, the potential for growth was indeed there, but it had not yet been realized:
"Now all the trees of the field were not yet on the earth, & the vegetation had not sprouted, for Hashem had not sent the rain, nor was there Man to work the soil." (2:5)
The missing agricultural ingredient was humanity: Only when man came to understand that nothing would grow without rain - & rain would not fall until man prayed for it! - & that the crops would not flourish without man’s effort to nurture & grow them, did the earth finally begin to bloom & blossom. Adam - whose name actually means "soil" – was the engine for the land to yield its amazing bounty & sustain the world for evermore.
I suggest that this is why the word, "V’hibar’am – when they were created," that introduces this topic, is spelled with an unusually small "Hay." The letter Hay, of course, stands for Hashem; I think the Torah is hinting to us that Hashem’s role is somewhat diminished - by design - in that He will not do all the work by Himself – Man must also be an integral part of this effort by both planting & praying.
Of course, this lesson is not restricted to agriculture. In each & every field, we humans must perceive what is missing, what is needed, & then reach out to Hashem to help us perfect that part of the puzzle.
One of the many miracles of modern Israel is our high-tech industry, where we do precisely this. We identify innumerable areas where life can be improved – from medicine to micro-chips to motoring - & then we invent products that solve the problem. We have learned Adam’s lesson well & used our intelligence & initiative to make this world infinitely better than we found it.
And you can "Bet" we’ll make it even BETter tomorrow!
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
