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And his name "Yitzchak (laughter);" what’s that all about? This is such a funny guy? I don’t think so!
But, of course, I was naive. I misjudged Yitzchak. I didn’t quite get it. But now I think I do. It starts with a pasuk in our Sedra, the very first time we encounter Yitzchak since the traumatic Akeida. The pasuk says: "And Yitzchak went out in the field la’suach." Rashi translates this word "la'suach" as "praying;" that is, Yitzchak was davening (by tradition, the afternoon/Mincha prayer). But if it means "praying," then why not use the obvious word, "l’hitpalel?"
No, the word clearly comes from the word "siyach," conversation. Yitz wasn’t just praying to G-d; he was also talking to Him! The Medrash asks why all the Matriarchs (including Leah) were initially barren & struggled mightily to have children. The Medrash replies: "Hashem desires tefila v’sicha, the prayer & the talk of the righteous."
Prayer is our lifeline to G-d, a "local call," a unique opportunity to praise, thank, acknowledge, beseech Him. But prayer, my friends, is not enough. G-d also wants us to talk to Him, to express our inner feelings & share our concerns, our thoughts on life, on love, on the world, on G-d. He cares about what we have to say! And though we Jews may be fine daveners, scrupulous in every syllable, we don’t often just pull up a chair & talk to G-d, who, after all, is a Great Listener who won’t ever interrupt us!
Yitzchak has a lot to talk to G-d about. His mother is dead. His father took him to be sacrificed, & he came this close to death (Elie Wiesel called Yitzchak "the first survivor"). He will have trouble communicating with his wife, & massive problems with his kids (sound familiar?). If Yitz spends an inordinate amount of time praying, communing, questioning & discussing with Hashem, can you blame him? The two of them have a lot to work out.
And so do we. There is a time to pray to G-d, & a time to close our Siddur & talk to Him. And I’m not sure which is more holy & more valuable, & which activity He desires most. So - let’s do both! Talk – at least with G-d – is most definitely not cheap; it’s a priceless privilege.
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)
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)
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
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
