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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Chukat
Ahron’s great talent was making peace between people who were at odds with one other. He was able to succeed at this because he, like Moshe, was extremely humble and did not consider himself better than anyone else. This is exemplified by his immediate, selfless acceptance of Moshe, his younger brother, as leader of the nation.
The protective clouds provided in his honor are called Ananei HaKavod; literally, clouds of honor. By teaching others to honor their fellow man, he was instrumental in creating a beautiful, holy environment that was loved and safeguarded by G-d. (Note that Rabbi Akiva’s students died for not giving kavod to one other).
But when Ahron died, this great role model of bein adam l’chavero (good relations between people) was gone, & the people’s respect for each other went into decline. This led to arguments, strife & machloket - and eventually it led us into war. As such, our Parsha sadly but perfectly fits into the pattern of dissension that runs through the complainers of parshat Bha’alotcha, the slanderous spies of Shlach-Lecha and the rebellion of Korach.
The lesson here is all-too obvious. Post-election of a new Prime Minister, there has been an extremely dangerous outbreak of Jew vs. Jew disrespect. The fact that we argue with each other is not necessarily or inherently destructive. After all, the Gemara is all about argument & the staking out of different positions, in order to arrive at the ultimate Truth. That’s fine; the real question we must ask ourselves is, how do we argue with each other?
Do we honor & give credence to others’ position by politely letting them say their piece, or do we dismiss it out of hand, screaming epithets & curses? Do we accept that there may be more than one way of looking at things – that we might even be wrong! – or, do we arrogantly insist that ours is the only opinion worth considering?
The Sages tell us that the reason Jewish law generally follows Bet Hillel & not Bet Shammai is that Bet Hillel always patiently considered & articulated, the views of Bet Shammai before going on to express its own. It was truly a Torat Ahron, an approach worthy of Ahron, and one we should diligently pursue today, before it’s too late.
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 Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 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
