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Matan Torah is a Wedding
The counting of the Sfirat Haomer is similar to the counting of the days that a wife undergoes in purifying herself for her spouse. Only for the Omer, it is for seven full weeks of seven days per week. This conceptualizes the thought that Matan Torah is a great wedding, where Am Yisrael, the bride, connects with God. This aspect mentioned in the Magen Avraham (according to the Zohar), basically describes an amazing relationship of love we experience on Shavuot with Hashem.
The Torah Elevates People
The angels that came to eat at Abraham's tent did not separate meat and dairy. One of the customs mentioned (see the Be'er Hetev) is to first eat dairy and after that meat to show the difference between us and those angels who ate with Abraham. Angels don't really eat, neither do they have a 'yetzer hora', an evil inclination. Before God gave the Torah to Moses, the angels tried to convince Him to leave the Torah in heaven with them. Moses convinced Hashem to allow the Torah to enter the 'lower world' by showing how the laws are relevant precisely to human beings- using natural ways (bavli Shabat 88). The angels, of course, have no need for the Torah. The purpose of the Torah is to upgrade and elevate people who exist in THIS world.
The Torah Has Demands
When Am Yisrael received the Torah there were suddenly many new laws that they were commanded to follow. The preparation required for eating meat is more involved as compared what it takes for dairy products. The slaughtering, salting etc., required, forced them to eat dairy on Shavuot (Mishna Brura). The Torah has many demands and we are required to have Yirat Shamayim, together with great love that we have for our mitzvot. The laws are very detailed and effect every aspect of our lives, including our kitchens. We are ready and capable for this.
The Torah is Sweet
One of the customs is to eat milk with honey. Here we want to express the fact that the Torah is sweet to us. The Torah is compared to honey and milk (Mishna Brurah). We also express that our life depends on the Torah and we nurse from it in the same way that a newborn nurses (Resisei Liala 56).
I believe that all the explanations above are true and together introduce a deep insight into the essence of the holiday of Shavuot. The simple act of following a popular custom can reach out and touch the deepest meaning of the holiday in such an accurate way.
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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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
