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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
- Lech Lecha
Parashat Lech Lecha begins with Hashem’s command to Avraham to "Go from your land" when he was 75 years old (Bereishit 12:4). We can find hints in previous p’sukim about what transpired when he was younger. The Torah tells us that his father, Terach, took his family, including Avraham, from Ur Kasdim towards the Land of C’na’an but settled in Charan (ibid. 11:31). Chazal teach us, as expounded upon by Rashi and the Ramban, that the name Ur Kasdim hints at a great miracle that occurred to Avraham. A midrash tells that there were 365 kings present before Nimrod when he confronted Avraham for breaking his idols. Avraham said to him, "You are not a deity, but a son of Kush." Nimrod conferred with the kings, and it was decided that Avraham should be burnt. They tied him down and surrounded him with a big pile of wood, which they lit on fire. All of the kings could see that the fire did not affect him. Hashem said at that time that since Avraham had acted in His name, Hashem would personally go to save him.
It seems that this conference of kings was done in order to coronate Nimrod as king of the entire world and a deity. Nimrod went up to the top of the tower that he built, and Avraham opposed his actions. Nimrod had Avraham thrown into the fire, and Hashem came to save him. The masses were inspired by Avraham and the miracle that saved him, and the kings scattered. The unification of the world was cancelled, and everyone went to speaking his language. Avraham ruined Nimrod’s whole party.
More than 1,000 years later, Nevuchadnetzar tried the same ploy as Nimrod. He built a big tower and sat on its roof in front of all the kings under the rule of his empire, who were gathered to pronounce him king of the world. He did not try to get everyone to speak one language, as Nimrod had failed in that, but instead had them employ music as a different "international language." Hundreds of musicians were in place around the tower, and at the time the conductor would give the prompt, all assembled would bow down and accept him as the king of kings and a deity (see Daniel 3:4-5). The punishment for non-compliance is reminiscent – the person is to be thrown into the fire.
Three descendants of Avraham Avinu – Chananya, Mishael, and Azarya – who served as officers in Nevuchadnetzar’s government, followed their forefather’s lead and stood up to the most powerful person of their time. They too were thrown into the furnace, and Hashem saved them as well. Everyone was shocked and Nevuchadnetzar’s plan was ruined. Chananya, Mishael, and Azarya were elevated, and Nevuchadnetzar repented to a certain degree.
Next week we will investigate what went wrong for Sargon II. In the meantime, we pray that we will see the world make progress in properly accepting Hashem’s dominion, as we pray: "Everyone who was created will understand that You created him."
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
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)
Rabbis in Midrash
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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)
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)
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
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
