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She studied the picture for a long, long time and then she noticed something she had missed before; the boy was standing within a long shadow. And then she remembered that one of Grandpa's favorite songs was, "Just Me and My Shadow." So she started to research the history of photography, and famous photographers, and discovered that the shadow in the photo was that of President Abraham Lincoln! A very valuable artifact, indeed!
As we approach Shavuot, I want to suggest that the "shadow" which hovers over this Chag is that of David HaMelech. By tradition, David was born - and also died - on Shavuot. Of course, we know that the story of Ruth ends with the birth of David (note that the name "David" is, literally, the very "last word" of this Megila!). But what is the deeper significance of David's hidden presence in Ruth's story, and in the message of Shavuot?
David was truly a "man for all seasons." He underwent every trial, he experienced every emotion. He was a gentle soul, a poet and musician. Yet he was also a fierce warrior, with much holy blood on his hands, who conquered Jerusalem and brought our eternal capital into Jewish hands. He was beloved by millions, but he was also an outcast in his own family, where, for a long time, he was deemed illegitimate and not even allowed to sleep in his father's home! He enjoyed riches and power, yet he also experienced dire poverty and almost starved to death. He achieved widespread acclaim when he slew Goliath, but then was hunted down like a dog and barely escaped death.
All of this contributes to the brilliance of his book of Tehilim - the most read of all Jewish books. Because of David's range of experiences, he can relate to everyone else in his or her own situation. Are you joyful, and want to praise Hashem? Recite Tehilim! Are you sad, depressed, scared? Read Tehilim! David has words, and music, for every possible condition. And that is why, I suggest, it is his lineage that will produce Moshiach. Because Moshiach will connect to everyone - Jew and non-Jew alike - in order to usher in the Age of Redemption when "the knowledge of G-d will flow like a river."
And that is why David must come from Ruth, a convert whose life story is one of pure Redemption, the royal princess of Israel's ancient adversary Moav, turned poverty-stricken beggar, who masters the Mitzvot (thus her name equals 606 for the commandments she takes upon herself) and returns again to royalty and respect as the ancestress of the House of David. David is the lynch-pin, the connector between the nations of the world and its ultimate Redeemer. He is the great-grandson of Ruth and the grandfather of the Geula, the Everyman who casts a giant shadow over us all.
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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)
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.
