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Why are so many elements in Tanach only clarified by connecting different sections of Biblical text? We should understand that all of Tanach is one book, which is composed of 24 sub-books. Therefore, a full picture is only possible after seeing all of the places in which Tanach deals with the event or idea at hand. Chazal coined the following phrase to deal with this phenomenon: "The words of the Torah are poor in one place and rich in another" (Yerushalmi, Rosh Hashana 3:5). The appearance of a certain topic in multiple sources allows us to compare and contrast them and to receive additional depth and dimension.
The prophet Yirmiyahu provided the basis for expressing and analyzing this matter: "Indeed, My words, said Hashem, are like fire and like a hammer that smashes rock" (Yirmiyahu 23:29; see Shabbat 88b; Sifrei, B’haalotcha 102). This means, in context, that due to the divine source of Torah, we are not able to absorb the whole divine message at one time, and, therefore, the Torah breaks it up into multiple appearances that enable human comprehension. The Yerushalmi (Nedarim 3:2) uses this idea to illustrate the phenomenon of different words being "spoken" by Hashem at the same moment at Sinai (e.g., zachor and shamor, and shav and sheker).
The full picture is achieved only when we learn all of the contexts in which the matter comes up, as upon making the proper analysis, the pieces form together into one complete picture. This is based on the firm belief that all of Tanach is one work. The first part, Torah, was given to Moshe directly by Hashem. The second part, Nevi’im, was given by means of prophecy to the prophets from the time of Yehoshua to that of Chagai, Zecharia, and Malachi. Ketuvim, the third part, was written with ruach hakodesh (divine spirit) and was completed with the writing of Megillat Esther. At that point, it became a closed work, not to be added on to and not to be reduced in size by even the slightest amount. However, the messages could be spread out in myriad ways throughout the unified masterwork.
The story of Moshe’s birth was also broken into small pieces as it came down from the Heavens into a physical world, as it was given to human beings who were created from earth and return to earth. Delving into Torah study enables us to reunite the broken pieces of physicality into a unified spiritual concept, whose source is from the One Creator.
As we often do, we stress that the search for unity in all forms is the basis of our existence and success.
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)
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.
