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Beit Midrash
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Working on these tasks were not only Moshe, Aharon, and Miriam but also the elders and the Jewish taskmasters (shotrim), with each group having its role. The shotrim had to protect the nation from Paroh’s decrees and his attempt to break the Jewish slaves’ spirit. The shotrim paid a heavy price, as they were beaten violently when their brethren were unable to keep up with the escalating work demands (Shemot 5:14). They also received a great reward. They achieved prophecy (Shemot Rabba 5:20), became leaders (Bamidbar Rabba 12:16), and became members of Sanhedrin (Rashi, Shemot 5:14).
The elders were supposed to help convince the people of the upcoming liberation (Shemot 4:29). They were also supposed to take part in the negotiations with Paroh, but they were too afraid of him to make it all the way to the palace with Moshe (Rashi, Shemot 5:1). Their negative payback is that when Moshe approached the Divine Presence on Sinai to receive the Torah, the elders had to remain behind (ibid. 24:1-2).
Shemot, ch. 5 describes the meeting between Moshe and Aharon and Paroh, in which they demanded that Paroh allow the nation to go and serve Hashem. The results were extremely harsh. Not only did Paroh not agree to set the slaves free, but he doubled down on the slavery, with the following new directives: "You will no longer receive the straw to make the bricks like you did yesterday and the day before (kit’mol shilshom). Rather, they shall go and gather straw" (ibid. 5:7). "The amount of bricks that they made t’mol shilshom shall be placed upon them …" (ibid. 8). Then the taskmasters were beaten because of the claim, "Why did you not complete the quota to make bricks kit’mol shilshom?" After the turn for the worse, Moshe and Aharon lost popularity with the people, who accused them of compromising their already tenuous position.
Clearly the key phrase to this section is t’mol shilshom. The phrase comes up in a slightly altered fashion at Moshe’s "negotiations" with Hashem, recorded as part of the discussion at the burning bush. Moshe argued against his leadership by claiming that "I am not a man of words, neither t’mol nor shilshom" (Shemot 4:10). We have posited (see Tzofnat Yeshayahu, p. 198-209) that the instructions to Moshe of how to approach his mission found in ch. 5-6 actually preceded those found in the section on the burning bush. That is the reason that in expressing his lack of willingness to take up the task, he used the term of t’mol shilshom, claiming that his lack of ability to speak was part of what caused the fiasco of the increased work requirements highlighted with that phrase.
We do not believe that a process of liberation will come without difficulties, and it is necessary to follow a long road toward it. Belief and patience are the tools for dealing with these challenges.
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)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Rabbis in Midrash
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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
