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We find in many places that l’fanim means in the past. Devarim 2:10 uses that term to refer to the period in which the Eimim once lived in the land of the Moavites. Yehoshua (11:10) talks about how Chatzor was l’fanim the head city of the nations of the area. Shmuel (I:9:9) relates how l’fanim, what we now call a navi was once called a ro’eh. In all of these case, the word which literally could be translated as in the direction of the face (as opposed to the back) talks about "back" in history, not the times that are in front of us in the future. The simple explanation in our vernacular is that lifnei does not only mean in the direction of the face, but before.
In the opposite direction, the word l’achor, which can be translated as in the direction of the back, refers to later on. In describing the magnitude of the locust in Egypt, the pasuk says: "…l’fanav there was not such a thing and acharav there will not be" (Shemot 10:14). Here too, even though the back would seem to point back to the past, the idea is that acharav means afterward, which actually is in the future. Thus, Kohelet (3:22) can say: "… it is his portion, for who will bring him to see that which is acharav." He repeats that usage in Kohelet 6:12.
But we can give the following philosophical perspective on this interesting etymological phenomenon of two ways of looking at the past and the future. The proper way to know how to look into and prepare for the future is by looking behind us into history. Only if we can learn from the experiences of the forefathers, will we internalize their path and be able to march along the trail that they blazed for us. We can then plan our future, even though it is shrouded in fog and secrecy. The attempt to march forward and look to the future, with the assumption that the new is better than the old, is like walking with one’s eyes shut, for one will never know what will be after him.
Specifically in a generation of technological advancement, which can bring great blessing, the best way to advance is by using new scientific ideas in light of what we have seen in our past. Then that which is behind us (i.e., the future) will be safer. (See more on this in Tzofnat Yeshayahu from pg. 272 and on, including in the footnotes.)
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)
