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Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
- Bereshit
Hashem, whose spirit was over everything in the universe, will be described later as the G-d of Israel, in addition to the G-d of the entire universe. He is the same G-d before the world was created and after the world was created. Everything was created by His decree in a manner described as "indeed good," through His good will and desire to bring good to His creations.
Within all of this, the crowning glory of the creation, man, was created "by the hands of Hashem." This creation has a resemblance of sorts with his Creator, as the pasuk says: "In the form of G-d He created him" (Bereishit 1:27). As part of the initial creation, Adam was created, without any other titles – he was not a kohen, levi, or Yisrael. Just a simple Adam, and, as such, he acquired his status, his place in the Garden of Eden, and the merit of speaking with Hashem and being guided by Him.
Why was Adam created alone in his species? Chazal say that it is so that different families should not argue whose family was created first. There is equality within mankind – we all come from Adam, who was formed by "Hashem’s hand" in the form of G-d, which makes us all beloved (see Avot 3:14).
If we are to end up with an approach of "You chose us from among all the nations," why does the story start with equality? The Torah wanted the approaches of equality and chosenness to interplay and complete each other. "In the beginning" and "before the eyes of all of Israel" do not contradict each other. "All humans are beloved" does not contradict "Israel are beloved, and are called sons of G-d." After all, Chazal tell us that Bereishit means on behalf of reishit, which, in turn, is a reference to Torah and Israel, which are each called reishit in different places in Tanach. We are supposed to demonstrate what in the creation was supposed to make mankind worthwhile of all of that attention and show through which rules Hashem leads the world. While man, in general, can be described as being created in the "image of Hashem," some are fit to be called "sons of Hashem."
The expectation with which Israel was created was to give Adam his full significance and return nature to its fixed form, returning us to the lost paradise and thereby justifying creation. Bereshit, for the Torah, which was called reishit, and for Israel, which was called reishit.
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(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)
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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
