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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- D'varim
- Ekev
Let us try to figure out how we are able to strengthen the phenomenon of Hashem’s consolation for us? The p’sukim we have mentioned tell how, at the time of the final redemption, Eretz Yisrael will be re-inhabited by her sons – Am Yisrael. Ibn Ezra explains that Zion is consoled "when the multitude of her sons are upon her." In addition to agricultural bounty, the nation will be happy with the Land and will thank Hashem for returning to it.
There is great spiritual flourishing and significantly increased opportunities to learn Torah in Israel in our days. This can definitely be included in what Hashem promises, "when Hashem returns to Zion." We pray and yearn for the return of the Divine Presence in its fullest sense, but how can we help realize this?
On the pasuk (above) "for Hashem will console His nation, and on His poor He will have mercy," the midrash (Shemot Rabba 31:13) speaks at length about the connection between consolation and concern for the poor. The midrash attacks the practice of taking interest on loans to the poor and points out that Hashem is different from people, in that He is proud of His association with the poor, while many rich people are embarrassed by it. This is parallel to Hashem’s loving our nation despite and because we are a small nation. The midrash says that when Hashem will want to console Zion, He will start with the poor, based on our pasuk. It warns that a potential creditor should not see a poor person and lend him money so that he can seize his house and fields as payment for the interest accrued. That is part of the rationale for the Torah’s view of a usurer as being like one who violated the whole Torah and is due to collapse (see Yechezkel 18:13).
The conclusion from the midrash is clear: we believe that we will see Hashem’s return to Zion when we keep all of the mitzvot and we especially take the plight of the poor to heart and mind. It is important for us to not take interest, including with the use of heter iska. We need to encourage giving loans for free in the fullest sense and enable those who want to break out of poverty the opportunity to do it by, for example, starting a business that requires an infusion of money. That will help return the Divine Presence.
Our generation has seen Eretz Yisrael blossom, as we have seen the ingathering of exiles and the economy boom. During those times, it was crucial for the rich to feel the connection to the poor. At a time with severe financial challenges, it is all the more important to be concerned about the plight of the many people in need. May this encourage Hashem to console us in the most beautiful way!
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.
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
