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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Beha'alotcha
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Yaakov Ben Behora
The appointment of the elders to leadership positions was apparently a reaction to Moshe’s complaint, "I cannot carry on my own the burden of the nation, for it is too heavy for me" (Bamidbar 11:14). The Ramban (ad loc.:16) points out that the choice of 70 elders was not a matter of convenience but a deep matter. There are 70 nations of the world with 70 languages since Hashem mixed them up at the Tower of Babel. Corresponding to the 70 nations, 70 of our forefathers sojourned to Egypt. The significance of 70, says the Ramban, is that it "includes all the opinions and the powers, leaving nothing missing." The 70 were under Moshe, the 71st, as in the Sanhedrin for all generations, where a nasi presided over 70 members. The Ramban hints that as Hashem presided over the 71, making Him the 72nd, Hashem’s full name has 72 letters.
Some view Moshe as existing on a different plane from other nevi’im. Some view him as the symbol of all prophets throughout history. Either way, we learn an important lesson. There was a need for 70 elders under Moshe’s tutelage. Only thus were the different possible approaches represented so that the Divine Presence would rest on the assemblage. We see also that a multitude of views need not cause divisiveness in the nation. In fact, the Ramban says that Moshe on top of the 70 is a hint at the unity of Bnei Yisrael, "one nation in the land."
Hashem agreed with Moshe that he could not lead alone, and Moshe internalized the message deeply. When Yehoshua reacted harshly to Eldad and Meidad’s presumptuous behavior (however one understands the details), Moshe reacted in an understanding manner. "If only Hashem would make all of His nation prophets" (ibid.: 28-29). The master of all prophets did not seek lone control of leadership opinions or prophecy.
Moshe’s lauded humility could be taken as a sign that one could criticize him freely. The next episode counters this misconception. His siblings, Aharon and Miriam, objected to something they noticed about Moshe and declared: "Did Hashem speak only to Moshe? Did He not speak also to us?" (ibid. 12:2). Hashem reacted harshly to the criticism and pointed out that while Moshe was the most humble person, all should realize that he was a qualitatively greater prophet than all others. As a result, Miriam was afflicted with leprosy.
Moshe reacted to the censure of his detractors with an immediate prayer for Miriam’s welfare. May we be blessed with the leadership that resembles Moshe to the extent possible.
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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.
