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Beit Midrash
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There appears to be insight into this question in the story of creation, of all places. This is hinted at by the fact that both Shaul and David were called adam. Let’s take a closer look at the significance of this phenomenon. David said to Shaul that the heart of an adam (a person, but here referring to King Shaul) should not be depressed due to Goliath (Shmuel I, 17:32). Avigail referred to an adam who was pursuing David. There is an indirect connection between the world of Shaul and an adam of note as well. The people who were unable to bring the Korban Pesach were those referred to as impure because "of the soul of an adam" (Bamidbar 9:6-7). Rabbi Yossi Hagelili said that these were the people who were carrying the remains of Yosef (Sukka 25a). Yosef represented the part of Bnei Yisrael that comes from Rachel Imeinu, and Shaul, from the tribe of Yosef’s only full brother and second son of Rachel, Binyamin, certainly saw in Yosef a special spiritual guide and inspiration.
David is called adam in Shmuel II, 7:19. He is famously called ha’adam hama’alah (approximately translated as, the person of a high standing) (Divrei Hayamim I, 17:17). The third place adam is mentioned in regard to David is in the "last words of David" (Shmuel II, 23:3).
The famous midrash (Yalkut Shimoni Bereishit 41) about the intertwined lives of Adam and David provides a wonderful explanation of the connection between David and adam. Adam was disturbed by what he saw prophetically, that there was a special soul who would have only a fleeting moment to live. In order to allow David to accomplish what he could in the world, Adam was given and accepted the opportunity to gift David 70 years of life. Kedushat Levi on the haftara of Vayechi develops this idea, as I do in my upcoming book, Tzofnat Shmuel.
Next week we continue to develop this theme of David and Shaul in Sefer Bereishit.
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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.
