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This week’s haftara (Yirmiyahu 46:13-28) discusses a great defeat of the Egyptians at the hands of Nevuchadnetzar, who would later destroy the first Beit Hamikdash. This was also the time of the fall of the Plishtim, which, we will see, is related. The following prophecy starts with the dating that it occurred "before Paroh smote Aza" (ibid. 47:1). These Plishtim were defeated twice in close proximity. Before Nevuchadnetzar went down to fight Egypt, he passed through the coastal region of Plishti land and defeated them. The navi referred to this as "it is coming from the north" (ibid. 2). Paroh struck them on the way back from the Battle of Karkamish, after killing King Yoshiyahu in Megido (see Melachim II, 23:29). Thus, even though Egypt was to the south and west, they attacked the Plishtim from the north.
The defeat of the Plishtim is also documented in non-biblical accounts. It appears in the Writings of Herodotus and is found in a letter by the King of Israel, found in the archives of Memphis, Egypt. We will not get into a listing of the scholarly publications which deal with this.
It is impossible to understand the outlook of the prophets without studying the following passage in Tzefanya (2:4-7): "For Aza will be abandoned, and Ashkelon will be a wasteland; Ashdod will be kicked out in the afternoon, and Ekron will be uprooted. Oh, the inhabitants of the coastal strip, the nation of Crete, the word of Hashem will be on you in C’na’an, the Land of the Plishtim, and you will be lost, without anyone living there …"
The cities of the Plishtim were destroyed some 2,600 years ago, and the Jewish Nation has returned to its Land in the past generations. We are not interested in the destruction of our adversaries’ cities. We prefer the fulfillment of the prophecy of Yeshayahu (2:1-3) that the nations will come to the Beit Hamikdash in search of Torah and inspiration from Hashem and from us. On the other hand, if enemies try to destroy us, they must know that their end could come in unpleasant ways.
At this time of international transition, with potential consequences to Israel, we take the opportunity to thank outgoing President Donald Trump for his outstanding support of Israel and his large part in several political achievements. We wish well to incoming President Joe Biden, and wish him and us that the relationship between our countries will remain strong and fruitful.
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)
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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)
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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
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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.
