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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
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- Ki Tisa
Rav Yisraeli z.t.l. taught us that one of the problems with an attempt to define Am Yisrael through numbers is giving precedence to quantity over quality. Undoubtedly, counting votes should decide on a quantitative basis who has more support. In all of the recent elections, the goal was one – increasing the number of votes your party receives. Literally everything is focused on that.
But what are the ethical boundaries that exist during the quest to reach that goal? This question was not raised by almost any political party regarding their activities. Personal attacks, of the lowest kind, turned into the norm and were legitimized (using religious terminology, with a "mehadrin hechsher").
The question of how we can turn the State of Israel into a more Jewish state from an ethical and religious perspective was not brought to the fore by any party. Some religious parties may have raised the issue of Shabbat observance, which is a value-based matter, but it was done in the manner of: "Give us more votes so we can pass legislation to forbid the desecration of Shabbat." There was not a focus on how to promote greater love and respect for Shabbat within the wider population in all of its "shades." Other parties highlighted the settlement of the land, which is a fundamental matter, but they too focused on how to get enough seats to improve matters through legislation. Everyone forgot that such goals can only really be achieved by increasing love; coercion only increases resistance. Even if people affirm "We need unity," it remains hollow unless one introduces a list of agreed-upon values to elevate Israeli society and bring it closer to our Father in Heaven.
These ideas are included in the phrase "ki tisa," which has multiple meanings. Noseh can mean to forgive (Hashem is "noseh sin, failings, and iniquity and erases fault" (Shemot 34:7). Another meaning is elevating: When the Torah says "naso" the head in the context of counting, the midrash (Bamidbar Rabba 4) relates it to: "(Evil-Merodach was noseh the head of Yehoyachin the king of Yehuda from the prison …" (Melachim II, 25:27-28). Years ago, we wrote to combine them – to elevate society by people forgiving each other.
The pasuk ends with avoiding plagues. When dealing with Corona, we have gotten used to quarantines separating people from the rest of society and social distancing. In order to deal with such challenges successfully, there must be true unity and agreement on certain principles, which we are able to agree upon. Doing so helps avoid the disintegration of the society, which is our biggest danger. If we go about this seriously, we will merit seeing a nation experiencing "light, happiness, joy, and honor" (Esther 8:16).
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)
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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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
