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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Bamidbar
And they answer: Had it been given in the city, some would have said it was applicable only in heavily-populated areas, where people lived near each other and so needed to know how to relate to their fellow-man. Had it been given in a field or open space, then people might have said it was applicable just in agricultural places, since so many Torah laws deal with agriculture. And had it been given either in Israel, or in a foreign country, they might have thought it applied only to Jews or to non-Jews, respectively. By choosing to give the Torah in a wilderness, between Egypt and Israel, neither in a city nor on a farm, it was clear that the Torah was meant for all people everywhere.
But the word "Bamidbar" also contains the letters of "Daber bam," or "speak about them." This not only is a charge to us to speak about the Torah to our families and our communities, it also is a message that our single-greatest asset and talent - "weapon," if you will - is our power of speech. "Life and death," says Shlomo HaMelech in Mishlei (18:21), "are in the power of the tongue."
Indeed, all of Sefer Bamidbar will be centered around language, and speech.
- In Parshat Naso, we will hear the confession of the "Sotah," and the vow of the Nazir. We will also record the Birkat Kohanim as they magnificently bless the people.
- In B'ha'alotcha, the people who missed celebrating Pesach will petition Moshe for a second chance; the nation will begin its complaints against Moshe, and even Miriam and Ahron will speak out against their beloved brother.
- In Sh'lach, the Meraglim scouts will issue their diatribe against conquering the Land of Israel, and Moshe will appeal to Hashem for clemency.
- In Korach, Moshe's cousin will launch a rebellion against Ahron and Moshe, relying mostly upon his oratorical skills to incite the rebels.
- In Chukat, the people will continue their complaining, and Moshe will fail to speak to the rock to bring water, striking it instead. Also, the Song in the Book of Hashem's Wars will be sung.
- In Parshat Balak, Bilaam will attempt to curse Am Yisrael, but 3 times his curses will be turned by Hashem into blessings.
- In Parshat Pinchas, the daughters of Zelofchad will argue for their rightful share in the Land; Moshe will also ask Hashem for a proper successor to be named.
- Parshat Matot is all about vows and oaths, as well as the request by Reuven and Gad to reside east of the Jordan.
- Finally, in Masei, the petition of Zelofchad's daughters is addressed by G-d, who rules in their favor. We rise as one to declare, "Chazak, Chazak, V'nitchazeik!"
Sefer Bamidbar will conclude just as we will bentsch the advent of the month of Av. There is no better way to prepare for the difficult days of Av than by guarding our speech, limiting our negative language, and utilizing this great gift of communication we are blessed with, to bring people closer to one another and to Hashem. If we talk the right talk, we'll walk the right walk.
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
