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Hashem commanded Bnei Yisrael to remember the day they left Egypt (Shemot 13:3). The midrash (Shemot Rabba 19:7), notes the similarity to the commandment to remember the day of Shabbat. It says that Hashem was telling them to commemorate the miracles of the Exodus as they were obligated to remember the creation of the world, which is at the heart of Shabbat. The midrash continues that just as there are seven days of the week which repeat themselves, so are there seven days of Pesach, from the day of the liberation until the day of the splitting of the sea, which we commemorate yearly.
What is the connection between the ongoing commemoration of Shabbat and the two parts of the celebration of Pesach? Rav Chaim Goldvicht (Asufot Ma’arachot, IV, pp. 81-90) explains with the help of another question. The gemara says that Bnei Yisrael would have been fully redeemed if they would have fully kept two Shabbatot. Why is one Shabbat insufficient and two sufficient?
He explains, based on the Sefat Emet, that there is a difference between a first Shabbat and a second. Hashem gives us the Shabbat, with its entire spiritual splendor, as a gift from Him. The job of the human being is to take that sanctity and apply it to the mundane days of the week. This work of integrating the message prepares the person to accept the Shabbat that follows the spiritually enriched week on a higher plane. That special second Shabbat, after preparations through toil to accept it properly, makes one, personally, and the nation, collectively, fit for redemption.
Similarly, Hashem granted Bnei Yisrael liberation from Egypt on the first day with minimal participation on their part. However, in the days that followed, Bnei Yisrael traveled in circles in the desert in a manner that encouraged Egypt to prepare for attack at Yam Suf. By taking part in permanently severing links to Egypt, they caused the liberation to have a greater impact on the development of the nation. In both cases, then, commemorating the miracle of creation and of liberation on a cyclical basis engenders an ongoing growth, inspired from Above, then from below, then from Above again, etc.
One of the most difficult religious tasks is to find a balance between viewing history as Divinely mandated and controlled and between striving to be actively involved in its unfolding. As we have seen, both are part of the religious experience. Those, for example, who were or are involved in the building and defense of the State of Israel are more likely to feel a strong connection to it. On the other hand, when one is active, he may have a tendency to see the human effort as the cause of its success or failure. The daily remembrance of the events of the Exodus should certainly bring us to remember Hashem’s leading role. However, we should also remember the beauty of being a partner with Hashem in unfolding, positive, historical events.
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)
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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)
