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The gemara (Shabbat 88a) learns from the pasuk "They stood at the bottom of the mountain" (Shemot 19:17) that Hashem held the mountain over Bnei Yisrael’s head. A related midrash (Shemot Rabba 42:8) implies that the nation’s response of "We shall do and hear" was not fully sincere. How could that be, considering that they received great praise and prizes for that statement (Shabbat ibid.)?
Hashem raised up our spiritual level in an unprecedented manner of "jumping up in levels," as alluded to by the pasuk "I carried you on the wings of eagles" (Shemot 19:4). This took the nation from the 49th rung of impurity to the highest level of sanctity and preparedness to receive the Torah. This occurred in a revolutionary manner, by the miracles and the divine revelation the people witnessed, especially at the splitting of the sea (Mechilta, Beshalach 3). This revelation left no room for doubters of Hashem. How could one refuse to accept Hashem’s Torah and mitzvot after seeing Him and His power in the most wondrous manner?! This is what was meant by the "holding of the mountain over their heads." It was not that they spoke insincerely "We will do and hear," but that since they were under the influence of short-term amazement, it did not have a chance to be absorbed fully in their long-term psyche.
Still, how did they reach such a lofty level? This is connected to the idea that the nation’s encampment at Sinai (where the people were referenced with a singular-form verb) was done with "one heart" (Rashi, Shemot 19:1). The importance of the unity is in the fact that every Jew has two sets of strengths: a special spiritual quality (segula) and the power to act properly. When we say that "A Jew remains a Jew even if he has sinned" (Sanhedrin 44a), this is a result of the segula. But this segula is powerful only when the people are interconnected and unified as a special society/nation. Then when all the parts of the segula join together, the process of life causes the spiritual power of Israel to show itself.
For that reason, only after the nation crossed the Jordan into Eretz Yisrael was the nation responsible for the sins of individuals committed privately (Sanhedrin 43b). Because the nation was one "body," when one limb is infected, the whole body feels it. On the positive side, when there is unity, the segula of the Nation of Israel shines with full brightness. Then one cannot stray from the way of the Torah because the nation’s natural power is connected to the fulfillment of the Torah. Thus, national unity makes a connection to Torah a definite fact. The national community will, sooner or later, return to full practice of the Torah to which it is connected.
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)
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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
