YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
- Vayishlach
Yaakov reached this level because he worked with honesty for his father-in-law, even though the latter tried to trick him several times and was sometimes successful at it. His name (Lavan Ha’arami) hints at his moral level. The letters of Lavan also spell out naval (disgusting person), and of Arami also spell out ramai (cheat). Yet Yaakov described how hard he worked both in the day and at night (Bereishit 31:38-40). On his way back from Aram, Yaakov met malachim and called the place of meeting, Machanayim. All commentaries agree that these angels helped him in his struggle against his brother, Eisav.
Moving forward a few hundred years, we look at David. Even before he became king, David worked with great dedication to prevent plundering of the flocks of the inhabitants of the greater Chevron area. The workers of Naval (reminiscent of Lavan) were disturbed that Naval did not show appreciation to David for his contribution to Naval’s prosperity (Shmuel I, 25:15-16). They mentioned how David worked hard in the day and the night, pushing off sleep.
The matters of the hard work in the day and the night and the lack of the recipient’s appreciation connect the stories of Yaakov and David. Both of them were like malachim who sanctified Hashem’s name with their comportment. Therefore, it is not surprising that in three different places in Shmuel (I, 29:9; II, 14:17; II, 14:20) those who interacted with David said that he resembled a malach.
Another connection between Yaakov and David is the mention of Machanayim (see last week regarding Yaakov, and Shmuel II, 17:24 regarding David). In David’s case, he was assisted by three "malachim," kind people, some Jewish and some not, who supplied David with necessities when he was fleeing from the rebellion of his son Avshalom and Avshalom’s large entourage. These are reminiscent of the angels that helped Yaakov, who was preparing for the arrival of his hostile brother. David, just like Yaakov, broke up his encampment into three groups. Also, one of the situations in which David did not allow himself to sleep because of the great task before him was in finding the place of and making preparations for the Beit Hamikdash (see Tehillim 132:3-4).
While the question has been discussed many times as to why David did not make it into the list of all-time leaders of the nation, with the forefathers, we see that the Torah hints at significant overlap between him and at least one of them.
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)
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
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
