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We all know the tradition that because we did not change our names or clothes, & did not inform on one another, we were "recognizable" as G-d’s chosen, & worthy. But Chazal tell us that we also were redeemed by virtue of our bloods ("B'damayich (plural) chayi - in your bloods shall you live)"; i.e. by fulfilling TWO key Mitzvot that involved blood: brit milah (circumcision); & korban Pesach, the offering of the lamb just prior to the Exodus. These were the "keys" to our exiting the prison called Mitzrayim.
But what message is being specifically sent to us through davka these 2 specific commandments, as opposed to all others?
Brit Milah is focused on the individual. It is about us. We dedicate ourselves to Hashem – in spirit and in body, to carry out G-d’s will throughout our lives. To give, even, our very blood in the name of Hashem, if so called upon.
It also reminds us, in a real sense, that our first responsibility is to ourselves. Before we can change the world, we have to change ourselves. We have to perfect ourselves. We have to devote ourselves to ourselves & prepare for our entrance into general society, where we can then hope to influence others.
I still remember my Rebbe, Rav Herzl Kaplan zt"l, telling me the story about the nebuch salesman who goes door-to-door, but when he opens his suit-case of wares to show his customers, he finds that it is empty! "Pack your bags!" he told me, urging me to spend as much time learning as I could before I entered the "real" world. Solid advice, that I will be grateful for all of my days.
But that’s just one half of the story. The other Mitzva, Korban Pesach, carries a very different message. It speaks about communal responsibility, about sharing with & caring for others, just as we had to eat the lamb in a group, having called out first to the public at large, "Whoever is hungry, come & join us!" If one does not use his hard-earned talents and blessings, whatever they may be, for the good of the Klal, then he has squandered what G-d has given him.
The korban Pesach also emphasizes the necessity to pass down our heritage, traditions & commitment to the next generation, gathering our family, chacham & rasha together, "telling the story" of the Jewish experience to one & all, so that they will continue this sacred mission when we are gone.
It was on that basis that the Almighty redeemed us. He had faith that we would live up to the great trust which he placed in us. And indeed we have, for 3332 years, & counting. In truth, we have no choice; it’s in our bloods
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(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)
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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
