YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Tanach
- Guidance on Studying Tanach
In Seder Olam Rabba (ch. 26), our opening of Yechezkel’s prophecy is explained to be 30 years from the finding of the sefer Torah in the Beit Hamikdash, and this is the way Targum Yonatan translates this pasuk. The finding of the sefer Torah was a traumatic event, described in Melachim II, 22. The officers of the righteous King Yoshiyahu found it, and this helped arouse the king and his officers to repent, with the help of the prophetess Chulda. This took place during the eighteenth year of Yoshiyahu’s reign, which also was yovel (the jubilee year). Mahari Kra, a disciple of Rashi, makes the calculation, based on the dating we know of the various kings, that the fifth year of Yehoyachin’s exile was 30 years since the event of finding the sefer Torah. Rashi also finds a hint of the connection between the timing of Yechezkel’s prophecies and the timing of the yovel in the pasuk: "It was in the 25th year of our exile, on Rosh Hashana on the tenth of the month" (Yechezkel 40:1). Rashi cites the Rabbis as saying that only during the yovel year do we have a beginning of the year that takes place on the tenth of the month (see Vayikra 25:9).
Let us now turn to the general question – why does Tanach employ dating that at times does not clarify the timing but confuses it and does not always maintain chronological consistency? It is possible that all of these unusual phenomena hint to us that Tanach is a work in which time is not the determining factor. Tanach is a written in a lofty manner, whose source is divine, and deals with truths that are connected to lofty spiritual worlds, which are above the physical world. Time is part of the material world, whereas prophecy is above it. When we are discussing how Hashem runs the world, there is no difference between the past, the present, and the future. Prophecies that are dealing with events from the distant past are prophecies that are dealing with lessons that impact us for future generations and transcend the rules of time.
In this material world, we will continue to thank Hashem for the miracles that happened to our fathers and to us in those days at these times.
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
Lessons
fast navigation
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)
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.
