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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- D'varim
- D'varim
I suggest that the Torah - & Moshe Rabbeinu – are once again emphasizing the point that there are always second chances in life, always opportunities to start over again. A new Sefer, a new chapter, a new and renewed commitment to Jewish ideals.
When we fast, we manifest this idea physiologically. We "clean out" our system by letting our body "go fallow" for the day, with no food or drink allowed in. When the Fast ends, we "start over," our bodies now having been purged & purified.
The fasts of Tisha B’Av & Yom Kippur are strategically linked to one another: They are held relatively close to each other – with only the month of Elul dividing them - & they are the only 25-hour fasts in our calendar. They also share the same goal & purpose; but they arrive at their destination in two very different kinds of vehicles.
Tisha B’Av represents approaching Hashem via Yirah; fear, awe & trepidation. As we confront and contemplate the frightening calamities that have befallen us throughout history – from Churban to Inquisition to Shoa – we come to the realization that without G-d’s protective shield, we are subject to any & all misfortune at the hands of the nations. And so we seek shelter in His Divine presence.
Yom Kippur also is an opportunity to draw closer to the Almighty. But its approach is one of Ahava; wanting to shed the sins which scar our souls, seeking G-d "where He may be found." Appreciating all He gives us, immersing ourselves in prayer & petition all day long, wearing white to symbolize the pure neshama which we seek for ourselves.
Tisha B’Av comes before Elul. It is akin to the Mitzvot Lo Ta’aseh, the negative commandments of the Torah. There are more of them than the positive Mitzvot (365-248), for abstaining from sin precedes the performance of positive actions. (This is precisely why Hillel told the convert, "Do not do to others that which you don’t want them to do to you," instead of "Do to others as you would have them do to you.") Fear is the most basic, primal motivator of Man and is a necessary first step.
But then comes Elul & Yom Kippur. We are ready now to go forward & elevate ourselves in spiritual growth. Fear gives way to love; Black turns into White, & Hashem is ready to receive us.
Redemption, please G-d, comes Fast.
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)
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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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
