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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Korach
The Sages expanded Korach’s agenda of delegitimization adding that he also denied the validity of the Torah. We read in the Talmud of the Land of Israel:"Rav said: Korach was a heretic. What did he do? He made Taliyoth entirely of Tekheleth. He came to Moses and inquired: Should they be subject to Tzitzit?. [Moses] said to him: they are subject to Tzitzit as it says: "Fringes you shall make for yourself" (Deut 22:12) . . . At that time Korach said: Neither is the Torah from the Heavens nor is Moses true nor is Aaron the High Priest" (Sanhed 10:1 50a)
Korach’s argument presupposes that it is the reason behind the Law and not the Law itself that is ultimately binding. The Tekheleth (blue die) on the fringes is intended to remind one about Heavens, but it should be rendered unnecessary if the entire garment is colored with Tekheleth.
Moses, on the other hand, derives the law matter-of-factedly, the reason behind it playing no role in its obligatoriness. His implicit response to Korach is that the Law is stand- alone and it, not the reason behind has binding force.
The Talmud of the Land of Israel teaches us that even Solomon the wisest of all men strayed to this same style of interpretation of Divine Law. He allowed himself to have many foreign wives because he believed that his composition would prevent him from succumbing to bad influence. At the time he reckoned that it is reason behind the Law and not the Law itself that was binding. (Sanhed 2:6 13a)
"The Book of Deuteronomy went up and prostrated itself before God. It said before him: Eternal Master: You have written in your Torah that any testament that is partially void is completely voided. Behold, Solomon wishes to uproot a Yodh from me. The Holy One said to it: Solomon and one thousand like him will desist but a single thing from you shall not be abrogated". (ibid)
The Book so to speak complains before God that by following the Spirit of the Law and not the Letter of the Law Solomon is annulling not just the individual laws that he violated, but effectively the Law in its entirety. It is on the backdrop of this complaint that the true nature of Korach’s heresy can be appreciated!
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
