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The midrash (Eicha Rabbati), in another context, demonstrates that participation is the higher level. The midrash contrasts the approach to impending battle of four prominent Kings of Israel. David asked of Hashem: "I shall chase my enemies, and I shall catch up to them" (Tehillim 18:38). Hashem enabled him to do so. One of the early kings of the Davidic dynasty, Assa, turned to Hashem and said: "I do not have the strength to kill my enemies. Rather, I will chase them, and You will kill them." The midrash proves that this request was also granted. Yehoshafat admitted: "I do not have the strength to chase the enemy. Rather, I will sing songs of praise, and You will do everything." This too was done. The last of the kings mentioned, Chizkiyahu, said something mind-boggling: "I do not have strength to kill or chase or sing songs of praise. Rather, I will sleep on my bed, and You will do." Indeed, as Chizkiyahu slept, Hashem’s plague destroyed Sancherev’s whole army.
The midrash’s language and context demonstrates that this is an illustration of yeridat hadorot, an erosion in people’s level from one generation to the next. David’s approach was the healthiest of the four. He merited taking an active in role in fighting for/with Hashem, as Avigayil said: "For my master does fight the wars of Hashem." The least commendable of the four is Chizkiyahu, who did not even have the strength to properly sing to Hashem. In fact, Hashem was willing to make that battle the apocalyptic war and Chizkiyahu would have been Mashiach had he sung songs of praise (Shir Hashirim Rabbah 4).
Let us return to Yam Suf. After seeing endless miracles, the nation still complained, "It would have been better to be slaves to Egypt." By doing so, they lost the right not only to fight but even to sing to Hashem as He prepared to save them, as Moshe declared: "Hashem will fight for you, and you will be silent." Only the self-sacrifice and belief of entering the sea enabled them to sing. As we say in tefilla: "A new song sang the liberated on the shores of the sea."
In our generation, which is one which put its lives on the line many times, let us pray that we will merit to sing the song of ultimate redemption.
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.
