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One of the recurring problems faced by the Avot and Imahot is the raising of children, one of the toughest tests Hashem sets before us. Avraham and Sara struggle regarding what to do about Yishmael, born to Hagar, who served as a surrogate for Sara. Sara feels Yishmael is a bad influence on Yitzchak, and wants him banished from the household, along with Hagar. Avraham feels differently - the Torah pointedly says this decision "was bad in Avraham's eyes" - yet Hashem says that Sara's request must be granted. In the course of history, this event will contribute to the animosity between Bnei Yisrael and Egypt - Hagar, after all, was an Egyptian princess - and is even cited as one cause of our slavery in Mitzrayim.
In our sedra, there is a clear difference of opinion between Yitzchak and Rivka regarding their twins. The pasuk spells it out: "And Yitzchak loved Esav.....while Rivka loved Yakov." The resulting incident of the B'chora will lead to total estrangement in the family, as Yakov flees his home and Rivka, understandably, cannot have a relationship with Esav. This, too, has cosmic repercussions, as Esav/Edom becomes an eternal nemesis of the Jewish People.
And then there is Yakov and his children. Yakov miscalculates by favoring Yosef; the Gemara (Shabbat 10b) quotes Rav who says "A parent should never single out one son among many, for on account of 2 sela's worth of silk (the Coat of Many Colors) Yosef's brothers became jealous, which resulted in our descent to Egypt." The schism between brothers is a tragedy that plagues us throughout history, to this very day; a kind of malevolent spiritual herpes - the curse that keeps on giving.
Is it any wonder that the Kohen Gadol, when entering the Holy of Holies on Yom Kippur to secure atonement for the nation, was first required to reconcile with himself, and his own family? Change the world? That's a tough assignment. But change ourselves, and keep our family together in love? That challenge may be even tougher.
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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)
