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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
- Vayishlach
However, if we listen carefully, the Midrash is trying to teach us an important lesson about who Jacob was. Jacob is so special that when you look at him and understand how great he is, the world doesn't really count. He is like the base of the world the ground on which everything stands. And in one respect, he really carries the whole world on his shoulders. This whole world exists thanks to the people of Israel and he, as their forefather, represents this fact. Jacob is on so much higher a level, that he exemplifies God to some degree.
On the other hand, there's another midrash explaining that Jacob was standing there alone because he was the last one to leave the field, and he wanted to make sure that he didn't forget anything, even the smallest object that had only monetary value. This is trying to teach us that the righteous pay attention to even the smallest things and relate to even the smallest detail.
Two midrashim, each one coming from the same Pasuk, which are totally different - we might even say opposite. One highlights how great Jacob was, while the other shows us how sensitive he was to minutae. The truth is that they are not so much opposite, as complimentary to each other.
Rav Kook explains that a great personality is someone who can live on a spiritual level which is much higher than that of this world, but on the other hand, must have the ability to notice and respect every tiny part of it, too.
The way we see things in this world, we live our life feeling that anyone who is a significant personality, will not waste his time, getting involved with minutae. But the truth is that it's only by being connected to the small things and being on a high-level, that you are able to achieve greatness and a significant figure in the sovereignty of the world. Surely this is a great way to invest in higher spiritual study, while keeping all the mitzvot, even the smallest of them. Shabbat Shalom!
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Rabbis in Midrash
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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
