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The Rashbi enlightened the world when he authored the Zohar, the primary source of Jewish mysticism. His burial place on Mt. Meron thus became an iconic touchstone for Chassidic gatherings, visited by as many as 2 million people annually. Across the country, the other most-visited site in the Jewish world - the Kotel - also brings millions to Mt. Moriah each year. Could Rashbi have unraveled the mystery of Moriah's Akeida for us, the most enigmatic of all Jewish stories? And what would be his reaction to the sudden death of those at Meron? Why does Hashem require self-sacrifice? Why would G-d request that Yitzchak be made into a korban; and why would Jews be taken in the very midst of their religious fervor and jubilant prayer?
Our double-Sedra, in its very title "B'Har-B'Chukotai," succinctly connects these scenarios and summits: the Har, and the Chok. These mountains closer to Hashem confront us with the very deepest of theological conundrums, enigmas that we poor mortals struggle with, generation after generation. But I suggest that we focus not only on the tragic circumstances that occurred at Har Meron, but no less on the cataclysmic, joyous return to a united Yerushalayim in 1967.
Who could have predicted such a miraculous turn of events? To have crushed the massive armies of Egypt and Syria in the virtual blink of an eye? To have Jordan serendipitously enter the war late - after falling prey to Egyptian radio's fabricated account of Tel Aviv in flames? And this after we ourselves warned, even pleaded with Jordan to stay out of the fight.
But Hashem has His plans and they cannot be predicted or pre-empted; we can, and must climb the mountain, but Heaven above will always have the last word.
Perhaps that is why our Sedra also contains both the primary blessings of life as well as the terrible curses that may confront us throughout history. While there are 30 p'sukim describing the k'lalot, there are only 10 p’sukim listing the brachot! May Hashem reverse those numbers & triple our blessings. And may we merit to receive only b’sorot tovot, messages of good tidings.
Rabbi Stewart Weiss
Was ordained at the Hebrew Theological College in Skokie, Illinois, and led congregations in Chicago and Dallas prior to making Aliyah in 1992. He directs the Jewish Outreach Center in Ra'anana, helping to facilitate the spiritual absorption of new olim.
Jewish Laws and Thoughts Shul “etiquette:” can we honor Hashem while respecting our fellow congregants?
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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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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
