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There is a machloket what exactly we/our forefathers heard at Sinai. The simple reading of our parasha indicates that we heard all ten of the dibrot (or devarim, as the Torah calls them) from Hashem directly: "… the sound of devarim you (pl.) are hearing … and He told you His covenant, which He commanded you to do, the ten devarim" (Devarim 4:12-13). "Face to face Hashem spoke with you at the mountain from the fire … [The Ten Commandments] … these devarim Hashem spoke with your whole assemblage …" (ibid. 5: 4-19).
The opinion of "the Rabbis" in Shir Hashirim Rabba (1:2) indeed says that the nation heard all the dibrot directly from Hashem. Mechilta D’Rabbi Yishmael (Yitro 4) also says that Hashem said all of the Ten Commandments in one burst of speech and then specified each commandment individually.
On the other hand, there is another opinion in Shir Hashirim Rabba (ibid.) that the nation as a whole heard only two dibrot. Rabbi Yehoshua learns from "He shall kiss me from the kisses of His mouth" that we only heard some of the dibrot, specifically the first two – "I am Hashem …" and "You will not have other gods …" Others learn it from gematria. "Moshe commanded us Torah," has a numerical value of 611, as the other two of the 613 mitzvot we did not hear originally from Moshe but directly from Hashem. The gemara (Makkot 23b-24a) advances this approach based on Moshe’s statement: "I am going to stand between Hashem and you at that time to tell you the word of Hashem" (Devarim 5:5).
The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim II:33) suggests a third possibility. At Sinai the people did not hear Hashem’s words; only Moshe did. What the people experienced was the powerful, wondrous sounds and sights of Hashem speaking to Moshe, who shared the specific content with them.
After "begging pardon" from the great participants in this machloket, we humbly suggest an approach that can "make peace" between the above. According to tradition, all the Jewish people throughout the generations stood at Sinai and accepted the Torah together. This includes especially righteous people, those who were apparently wicked, and the many who fell between the extremes. Perhaps the fully righteous heard all the commandments from Hashem directly. The wicked heard only the sound of Hashem speaking to Moshe. The average people heard two commandments from Hashem and the rest through Moshe.
Specifically, in these difficult times, we should remember and stress that we are one nation. All of us, the different parts of the nation over the generations, were at Sinai. Let us decrease hatred and polarization. We should remember that "anochi" (i.e., one’s ego) stands between Hashem and us. Let us subdue that which divides us. With the help of an improved approach to holding ourselves personally accountable, let us turn the sad days into joyous ones.
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)
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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)
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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)
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Parshat Re'eh
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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.
