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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Pinchas
And now, when Moshe has been told he may not enter Eretz Yisrael, and so the people will have to be guided by a new shepherd, Moshe struggles to convince Hashem who his appropriate successor should be. There are a few candidates: First, Moshe hoped that one of his sons would take over for him, as generally happens in a dynasty or kingship (and Moshe indeed had the status of a king!). But - perhaps precisely to indicate that true leadership is a meritocracy, rather than an aristocracy - G-d rejects this proposal.
All right, then perhaps the next leader might be Pinchas. After all, Pinchas has shown bold initiative, in his disposal of Zimri in last week's Sedra, & received G-d's accolade for it. Pinchas was a VIP, a Kohen Gadol from whom all future Kohanei Gadol will descend. But Moshe is wary: he uncharacteristically initiates contact with the Almighty ("Vay'daber Moshe el Hashem!") & addresses Him as "Elokei ha-Ruchot," the "G-d of spirits." Rashi explains this to mean that people differ from one another in temperament, ideas and personality. A leader must be tolerant of all types, since each one of us is a "Tzelem Elokim," a part of G-d's image. This was a veiled hint that Pinchas, for all his merit, might have a problem with relating to the different elements of society & so not be the perfect leader.
In fact, this is hinted to by the second and third p'sukim in our Sedra, respectively, where the name "Pinchas" is spelled with a tiny "Yud," and the word "Shalom" is spelled with a small "Vav." These 2 letters spell out a name of G-d, thus implying that, as noble as Pinchas's act was, the violence he displayed diminished Hashem's name and image.
In the end, of course, it is Yehoshua who is chosen. As Moshe's faithful protege - in effect, a son - Yehoshua had learned from the master how to deal with a population as diverse & demanding as the people of Israel. Yehoshua is described as the moon, & Moshe as the sun, to indicate that Yehoshua "reflected" the best values of his mentor, even as the moon reflects the light of the sun. Yehoshua would go on to become a great leader in his own right; he would conquer the 7 nations of Canaan, as surely as he conquered the urge to be intolerant.
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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)
