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Already in Parashat Yitro, before the giving of the Torah, the matter of appointing dayanim is discussed, and the desired characteristics of such dayanim are mentioned. Actually, even in Parashat Beshalach, right after the Splitting of the Sea, it says: "There (at Mara) He placed before them chok u’mishpat (statutes and laws) and there nisahu (He tested them)" (ibid. 15:25). Chazal saw this as such an essential matter that the Mechilta D’Rashbi (15) says that "mishpat" refers to a variety of monetary laws and "nisahu" refers to a high level of spiritual elevation. The aggadic midrashim also describe this pasuk in special terms. Shemot Rabba (30) compares it to a queen who was walking with an honor guard on either side.
According to this midrash, one can understand that the basis for the dwelling of the Divine Presence among us is a proper judicial system. The social and national life of Am Yisrael is based not only on people who have a common language and homeland, but also on a properly operating judicial system. This system elevates the nation. Naturally, just as a special nation has a special land, so does it have a special judicial system, which fits its needs and elevates it. By means of the judicial system, we can view the character of the nation and the level of its society.
Therefore, it is no surprise that prophecies that deal with the future full liberation put significant stress on the Jewish judicial apparatus, as it says in the famous opening prophecy of Yeshayahu: "I will return your judges as they were originally and your advisors as of the beginning. Afterwards, this will be called the city of justice and the trustworthy city. Zion will be redeemed with justice and its returnees with charity" (1:26-27).
As we know, Avraham, the father of our nation, was praised as teaching his household to uphold "the path of Hashem to do charity and justice" (Bereishit 18:19). Similarly, David, the first king who founded an independent nation-state in Eretz Yisrael, was also described by the navi as one who did "justice and charity for all his nation" (Shmuel II, 8:15).
The building of a justice system, which rests on the just foundations of the Torah, is a highly important task when developing the State of Israel as a Jewish state. If we are able to create such a system, which epitomizes honesty and strives with all its might to create justice, so that it is respected by all elements of Israeli society, we can see that as real progress, even if gradual, toward the fulfillment of the prophets’ prophecies. In our Eretz Hemdah-Gazit beit din network, we try to do our modest part in advancing this important goal.
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
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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)
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.
