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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Asher Ben Haim
One might suggest that here, where Hashem was revealing Himself, "seeing Hashem" was improper and potentially lethal (see ibid. 33:20). However, Rabbeinu Bachyei infers from the p’sukim that Bnei Yisrael were warned only not to try to see Hashem. As far as actually seeing Him, they couldn’t even if they tried.
Looking into the matter, we may notice something interesting regarding Moshe Rabbeinu, the only one to go all the way up the holy mountain. In his first encounter with Hashem, at the s’neh (burning bush), Moshe was told not to approach the s’neh because it was too holy. How is it that at the more powerful revelation Moshe was allowed to get as close as can be and previously not?
Perhaps the answer is contained in a well-known pasuk in Tehillim (111:10): "Reishit chuchma yirat Hashem (The beginning of wisdom is the fear of G-d)." It is not only that fear of Hashem is a basic to wisdom. The pasuk also infers that the proper order of attaining wisdom is to start by ensuring proper fear of Hashem. Once accomplished, one can draw closer in search of greater familiarity with and inspiration from Him. However, trying to "see Hashem" without prefacing it with a deep realization that the Divine is not fully approachable is dangerous.
At the s’neh, Moshe learned the lesson that he was incapable of fully grasping Hashem. He reacted by hiding his face. After showing he had the proper fear, he was later commanded to approach the Divine as much as a human can. Aharon, who was a prophet, could get closer than others. Some say that the kohanim also got closer than others in the nation (Rashi to 19:24), for they had experienced approaching Hashem and knew the regulations of not violating the boundaries. Others had to keep a greater distance.
Let’s put it another way. It is not that people should not go forward even though they cannot see. Rather, they should not go forward because they cannot see. Those who see better are more likely to know that they cannot see everything. Those who see less may think they have reached the pinnacle of understanding; that is very dangerous. Yirat Hashem helps set one straight on his self-appraisal.
In our times, some people are willing to experience an intense, spiritual experience or delve into the mystical before accepting the concept of fear of Hashem. As our forefathers learned, a healthy dose of humility and fear should precede an intimate "look" at the Divine. In truth, even at a healthy distance, exposure to the Divine is awe-inspiring and memorable.
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)
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
