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In this week’s parasha, Moshe invited those inciting against him to a discussion with him. Datan and Aviram said: "Lo na’aleh" (Bamidbar 16:12). They continued: "Is it not enough that you brought us up from a land that is flowing with milk and honey to kill us in the desert? … and you did not bring us to a land flowing with milk and honey" (ibid. 13-14).
Another critical term is – "a land flowing with milk and honey." This is how Hashem referred to the future Eretz Yisrael from the time of the burning bush (Shemot 3:8). (Most commentaries explain that the honey is the oozing sweetness of the fruit.) In their chutzpa, Datan and Aviram used the term to refer to Egypt, thus connecting themselves to the ten evil spies.
What is the significance of Eretz Yisrael being called flowing with milk and honey? Yeshayahu used milk and honey as a sign of great bounty for the survivors of the destruction by the Assyrians at the time of Chizkiyahu (Yeshayahu 7: 14-22). This is the sign of agricultural blossoming in Eretz Yisrael. Many other prophets used similar imagery (see Yoel 4:18; Amos 9:13-14; Yirmiyahu 31:4-7; Yechezkel 36:8-10). Based on such prophecies, Chazal taught that successful agriculture in the Land is the greatest sign of the approaching times of Mashiach (Sanhedrin 98a). Therefore, Datan and Aviram not only raised complaints against Moshe’s leadership but also against the prophecies of liberation about the nation’s populace sitting under grape vines and fig trees, and the return to a productive Eretz Yisrael after a period of exile.
Our generations have merited to counteract the sin of the spies and of Datan and Aviram. Am Yisrael has returned to Eretz Yisrael, which has greeted us with its milk and honey. The connection between Am Yisrael and Eretz Yisrael is supernatural. While from an intellectual, rational perspective, the ten spies and Datan and Aviram might have been right, we are believers, who follow the approaches of Moshe Rabbeinu and his disciples, Yehoshua and Kalev. With all the wonder and divine kindness involved, the situation on "the ground" supports these beliefs and prophecies.
Let us give two of many examples. 1. His time’s greatest Jewish demographer, Shimon Dubnow, predicted in 1898 that in 1998 there would be about half a million Jews in Eretz Yisrael, without a state that would be internationally recognized or having their national aspirations fulfilled, and they would live only with the help of Diaspora Jews. Obviously he was far off. 2. Seth Siegel, the American expert on world water supply, wrote more recently that Israeli technologies in the field of water and irrigation are the key to improving the lives of 4 billion people worldwide. Indeed, more than 150 countries use Israeli technologies.
In summary, Moshe is truthful and his Torah is truthful. "Let us go up."
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
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)
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)
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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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
