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"Yosef" actually has two meanings and, strangely enough, they have opposite connotations! Rachel names him "Yosef" and says "Hashem will end my disgrace - asaf Elokim et cherpati"). Here, "Yosef" connects to "asaf," to end, as in the word "sof." But then, Rachel calls him "Yosef," with the wish that G-d will continue to bless her by adding another child to her family ("Yosef Hashem li ben acher"). Here, Yosef's name is connected to "hosafa," an addition. So the name embodies both ending, and continuing!
On the first definition of Yosef, Rashi quotes a very strange Midrash concerning Rachel's statement that "this name will end my disgrace." Says Rashi. "As long as a woman has no child, she has no one else to blame for her faults. But when she has a child, she indeed has someone to blame. 'Who broke this vase? Your son! Who ate those figs that you like? Your daughter!"
Wow! That seems like quite a condemnation of women, making them appear to be so shallow and timid that they have to blame others for the mistakes they make - and their own child, yet!
But Rav Lau explained what's going on here. When a husband comes home and sees something amiss - a broken vase, or his favorite food eaten, and he starts to get angry and shout, the wise wife holds up her child and says, "Get a grip on yourself; wake up and smell the makeup! I gave you a son, and you're stressing out over an old vase?! I gave you a daughter, and you're complaining about a cookie?! Seriously?!"
We are showered by Hashem with so much good, with so many blessings in this world - even in the age of Corona. So put in all in perspective, people, and don't sweat the small stuff.
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
