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Let us understand the opposite trait – nedivut, one who enjoys giving. In Parashat Chukat, the Song of the Well describes the well of Miriam, who led the people along with her brothers, Moshe and Aharon, as one that was "dug by officers and excavated by the nedivim of the nation with the lawmakers with their leaning staffs, and from the desert it was a present" (Bamidbar 21:17-18). Who are the nedivim?
When David beseeched Hashem for atonement after the sin with Batsheva and Uriya, he asked for a return of the joy of Hashem’s salvation and to be supported in connection to a "ruach nediva." Rashi explains that ruach nediva refers to leadership, as David hoped not to lose his status as the leader due to his sin. That also makes sense in regard to the pasuk about Miriam’s well, as nedivei am is parallel to officers (sarim). This also fits well with the pasuk in Hallel and Shmuel (I, 2:8) of being lifted from the ground to be placed among nedivim. It makes sense regarding the daughter of the nadiv who was attractive in her special shoes in Shir Hashirim (7:2).
On the other hand, we cannot overlook that the simple meaning of nedivut is to give altruistically, like those who were "nedivim of the heart" in choosing to donate to the construction of the Mishkan (Shemot 35:22). Based on this, the Radak explains the pasuk above about David, as wanting divine inspiration, which "‘donates’ words of song and praise to Hashem, as one who possesses good will." The Rambam (Teshuva 6:4) also explained that David was concerned about losing divine inspiration and the ability to write psalms, for which this was a necessity.
We can put the two ideas together as representing the proper synthesis in the ideal leader. We want someone who, on the one hand, has great power to execute strong acts of leadership, but even when this makes it challenging to being as generous and sensitive as he would otherwise be, he still succeeds. In fact, if done correctly, power and strength of character can allow one to give of himself and share with others.
So, if we strive to be like our forefather, Avraham Avinu, making us a nation of people with compassion, bashfulness, and kind-heartedness, we need leaders who have a heart of nedivut. They should be like Moshe, Aharon, and Miriam, who were willing to donate from their energy and wherewithal for the nation, to share and give in when appropriate. Let our leaders be students of Avraham: having a good eye, a low spirit, and a humble spirit.
Igrot Hare’aya Excitement over a Friend’s New Newspaper – #319
Date and Place: 4 Menachem Av 5670 (1910), Rechovot
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)
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.
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
