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A number of questions come to mind: Rashi says that although Rivka also prayed to have a child, Yitzchak’s prayers were more effective than hers because "the prayer of a tzadik the son of a tzadik is more powerful than a tzadik who is the child of a rasha."
But didn’t Rashi earlier bring a Medrash (21:17) telling us that the prayer of a sick person himself is more effective than the prayer of someone else praying in that person’s behalf! Isn’t this why G-d earlier heard the voice of Yishmael & not Hagar, even though both prayed for help?
Finally, does the Torah’s use of the unusual word "vayey’ater" instead of the more common word "hitpalel," hint that there are different types of Tefila?
I would like to answer these questions by asking yet another question! Immediately after we’re told that Rivka is pregnant, we read that she was troubled by what was happening inside her. The famous Medrash says that she would feel a kick when passing a Bet Midrash, & another kick when she passed a place of idolatry. Troubled, she consults Shem, who tells her she is carrying twins, both of whom will lead great nations.
But why is only Rivka, & not Yitzchak, made privy to this revelation? Yitzchak is not only the twins’ father, but also a great prophet in his own right!
I want to suggest that there are different "tracks" to the prayers offered to G-d. When Yitzchak prays for Rivka to become pregnant he is in effect praying for himself to have an heir so that his lineage will continue on to the next generation. But Rivka has a much broader vision; she wants to know what kind of child she will have. Will he be worthy of his place in the royal family? Will he bring honor or dishonor to his nation & the world? And that is why she alone is informed of Yakov & Esav’s future.
Similarly, when Hashem answers the prayer of Hagar, He does not say, "the boy will live;" He says, "I will make a great nation of him." That, apparently, is what Hagar - who was herself a princess of Egypt, the greatest nation of that time - was praying for when she cried out to G-d. Life, you see, is vital; but it is what we do with our life that may be even more vital.
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)
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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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)
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)
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
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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
