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Questions having to do with service in the IDF come up all the time. We will mention that our mentor, Harav Shaul Yisraeli z.t.l., determined that only those who did their duty by serving in the IDF can be accepted as fellows at Eretz Hemdah. Let us take a look this time not at who must serve but who is fit to serve. Must one be of unblemished Jewish heritage? We will investigate the matter in Nach and the writings of Chazal, Rishonim, and Acharonim.
The Books of Shmuel and Divrei Hayamim give attention to the great warriors of David’s army. We find Achimelech the Chitite serving as a counterpart to David’s nephew and general, Avishai ben Tzruya (Shmuel I, 26:6), while Shaul was still alive. So even at that early stage, David had a Chitite among his trusted men. It is possible that Achimelech was an Israelite who lived in the Land of Chet. But it is difficult to make that claim here considering how far the Land of Chet (southern Turkey) is from Judea, where David was operating. It is true that there were Chitites in Chevron at the time of Avraham, but Chazal do not raise such an explanation in regard to Achimelech.
Another famous "Chitite" in David’s army was Uriya (Batsheva’s husband), who fought against the Amonim (Shmuel II, 11-12). He is listed as a prominent officer (Divrei Hayamim I, 11:41). In the latter source, we learn also of Tzelek the Amoni. One can ask the same questions about them. Another prominent officer was Itai of Gat. Gat was the city of Achish, a Plishti king who was a patron of David during part of the time of David’s fleeing Shaul. Achish was a great admirer of David, referring to him as "you are good in my eyes like an angel of G-d" (Shmuel I, 29:9). When David was fleeing Avshalom, Itai came leading 600 men of Gat who "came with his leg" (Shmuel II, 15:18-19). David asked him why he felt a need to come, as he was a foreigner who was in exile (ibid. 19). The term "came with his leg" is a reference to the fact that he left Gat in the past to join David’s army (see Radak ad loc.). So we have evidence that 600 soldiers of Plishti origin joined David at some point during his Kingdom.
Next week we will continue to develop this point, including factoring in the possibility of conversion. In the meantime, we pray for the welfare of the present day soldiers of IDF.
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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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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
