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But when the Bet HaMikdash was destroyed, the Korbanot stopped. No Chatat or Asham sin-offerings, no Tamid daily offering, no Korban Pesach. Yes, some say the Korban Toda, the Thanks-offering, is still represented by the Birkat Ha-Gomel, recited after a life-threatening experience. But the vast amounts of Korbanot have ceased; nothing nada, gurnisht.
But is that really so?
The ultimate purpose of the offerings was to come closer to Hashem; that is why "Korbanot" is connected to "karov - close." When a person gave of his hard-earned money to buy the offering - be it animal or vegetable, often used to feed or support the Kohanim who administered the service - he was making a statement: "I want to give something of mine to show Hashem that I care; I care about my behavior, and the mistakes I may have made; I care about the holidays; I care about the community at large. I am not an island unto myself; I have responsibilities, I want to give something back in return for this life you have granted me."
Friends, there has never been a better time to bring offerings than right now, in the midst of this frightening, even paralyzing time in which we find ourselves. So many opportunities are right in front of us, unique ways to bring our own personal Korban in the sight of Hashem:
- Offer your tefilot, and pray hard, as if your life depended upon it; - Call a friend, who may be suddenly be unemployed, and offer your sympathy and empathy; - E-mail someone who is scared - as most of us are - and offer hope that it will be all right; - Order take-away food for a neighbor from a certified restaurant and have it delivered to their door. - Offer apologies to someone you may have wronged, or neglected; if this crisis teaches us anything, it is that our existence is unpredictable and time is a tyrant;
Suddenly, all of life has become one gigantic Mizbeyach, an altar upon which we can bring offerings of every kind. Surely these are every bit as effective as those in Biblical days. And who knows - as Hashem watches these offerings being brought in abundance, He will not only end this pandemic, but usher in a new era of health and safety and brotherhood for all. And that is surely a Bet HaMikdash - a "Holy House" - of its own.
Rabbi Stewart Weiss
Was ordained at the Hebrew Theological College in Skokie, Illinois, and led congregations in Chicago and Dallas prior to making Aliyah in 1992. He directs the Jewish Outreach Center in Ra'anana, helping to facilitate the spiritual absorption of new olim.
Jewish Laws and Thoughts Shul “etiquette:” can we honor Hashem while respecting our fellow congregants?
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 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.
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The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
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(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
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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
