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Beit Midrash
- Family and Society
- A Nation and its Halachot
- Conversion
- Family and Society
- A Nation and its Halachot
- Army and War
The gemara (Yevamot 24a) states that, out of concern for insincere conversion, "they did not accept converts at the time of David and Shlomo." Beit din is to accept converts, says the gemara, in generations in which the Jews are not at such a high station on the international stage. The Rambam (Issurei Bi’ah 13:15) also states that they did not accept converts at the time of David, out of concern that he was doing it out of fear, and at the time of Shlomo, out of concern that he was doing so due to the glorious kingdom and the financial opportunities it provided. He writes that one who converts "because of a matter that is one of the vanities of the world is not a righteous convert." However, he continues, "nevertheless there were many converts who converted at the time of David and Shlomo in front of simple people…," and that the Great Rabbinical Court took a cautious attitude toward them.
We see also the respect that was shown at David’s time to converts from the story of the Givonim (see Yevamot 79a). The gemara tells of the extraordinary punishment of those who had caused the converts hardship, meted out by David after divine instruction. This was due to the chillul Hashem that would result from the treatment of the converts, and it allowed punishments in a manner that went beyond the normal rules of punishment. In any case, there appears to be a contradiction between the different approaches to the converts at the time of David, a time in which the general rule was to not accept converts at all.
The resolution to the contradiction is simple. There were many who joined David’s army or joined general Jewish society at that time, due to their enthrallment with David’s personality, his fine attributes, and the general high moral level of Bnei Yisrael at that time. Such people were welcome to join Klal Yisrael, whether to serve in the army or to be converted. There were others who were interested due to Bnei Yisrael’s financial situation or other ulterior motives. This was considered conversion not with noble intentions, and only simple people were willing to convert them (although it is evident from the Rambam their conversion took hold halachically).
In our times, the situation has similarities. We welcome with open arms those who want to join the IDF if they want to be part of the divine enterprise of the return of Klal Yisrael to its Land. In general we will welcome anyone whose joining our people is to the fullest extent, and certainly if they are willing to sacrifice their lives on behalf of the nation and the Land.
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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
