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Simply speaking the answer is that you need to fulfill Hashem’s commandments – the right action at the right time and place. But still, we have the right to ask: why was there a difference in the commandment from one time to another?
The commandment to hit the rock in Beshalach involved the use of Moshe’s staff. Earlier in the sefer, we are introduced to the use of Moshe’s staff: "This staff you shall take in your hand, with which you shall do the otot (signs, miracles)" (Shemot 4:17). If we look at the use of the word ot/otot in the Torah, we may come up with a solution.
There are a few mitzvot that the Torah calls an ot: 1. Brit mila – "You shall cut the flesh of your foreskin, and it shall be as an ot between Me and you" (Bereishit 17:11). 2. At the burning bush – "Alas, the bush was burning in the flame, and the bush was not consumed … And He said: For I shall be with you and this is the ot that I will be with you" (Shemot 3:3,12). 3. Tefillin – "It shall be an ot on your hand and a remembrance between your eyes …" (Shemot 13:9). 4. Shabbat (which was first given in Egypt or at least in Mara (pre-Sinai)) – "But you must observe My Shabbat, for it is an ot between Me and you for all generations, to know that I am Hashem Who sanctifies you" (Shemot 31:13). 5. Marking the doorposts in Egypt with the Korban Pesach – "And the blood shall be an ot for the houses, and I will see the blood and pass over you" (Shemot 12:13).
What this whole list has in common is that they are connected to the period before the giving of the Torah. Chazal referred to this period as "before the speech" (see Chagiga 6a), i.e., the hearing of the word of G-d at the revelation at Sinai. Now we have a point to develop. The use of the staff for getting water from the rock was appropriate in Parashat Beshalach, which is before Sinai, and therefore it was the right system at the right time. After Sinai, Moshe is no longer to use the staff, as it is the time to use speech and only to use speech.
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 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
