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This is also the same cloud that the midrash discusses in the previous parasha, when Avraham and Yitzchak were on their way to Mt. Moriah for Akeidat Yitzchak. The pasuk says that on the third day they saw the place from afar. The midrash (Midrash Rabba 56:22) says that they identified the mountain by the cloud hovering above it. The midrash continues that Avraham made sure that Yitzchak saw the same thing that he had seen. The two already recognized this cloud from Sarah’s tent, the place where Sarah found out about the upcoming birth of Yitzchak. Whoever was able to see the cloud understood that there was a special Divine Presence.
We find a different view on the matter in "David’s Song" (Shmuel II, 22:10), referring to Hashem: "He made the heaven lean down and He went down, and mist was under His legs." Targum Yonatan refers to this as a darkening performed by a special cloud – compare to Targum to Bereishit 15:17. Thus, the cloud was described as the "mist under Hashem’s legs."
Considering that mist and clouds darken and hold back the impact of the sun, what is the philosophical significance in relation to the Divine Presence they represent? According to the Targum, in order to be able to come in contact with the Divine Presence, there is a need for the revelation to be in a hidden manner, in a cloud, mist, and/or darkness.
The Ralbag has a different approach. When there is a need for the Divine Presence, which appears when Hashem wants to help someone, like David Hamelech, the Divine Presence descends to a low, material place, as indicated by the cloud. This "lowering of the heaven" is seen to man as a darkening and is described by the presence of mist.
Radak (on the parallel appearance of mist in David’s Song, as found in Tehillim 18) takes a third approach. The darkness under Hashem’s feet refers to Hashem bringing darkness to His enemies when He "tramples them with His feet." Thus, the three possibilities are that the darkness hides the Divine Presence, expresses a descent to the physical world, or depicts the hard times for Hashem’s enemies. When darkness is once again mentioned in David’s song (Shmuel II 22:12), the Targum again says it refers to the Divine Presence. Also, then, after the Exodus, when there were clouds of glory and darkness, Rashi (Shemot 14:21) explains it as Hashem’s Presence separating the Egyptian army from Bnei Yisrael.
If we are able to unite ourselves and live as one person with one heart opposite the mountain, maybe we will merit to see some of the special clouds that our forefathers saw at Sinai
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(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)
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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
