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Beit Midrash
- Shabbat and Holidays
- Purim & The Month of Adar
- The Month of Adar
What about Tishrei, which has in it both Rosh Hashana, a pretty upbeat, happy holiday, as well as Sukkot, with its meals eaten al fresco, the only Chag that commands us, "v’hayita ach sameach" – you must only be happy!
Or what about Nisan?! That’s the month when we were finally freed from slavery, achieved independence & had umpteen miracles done for us. That’s not happiness?!
More on this in just a moment, but first, another question: Why is Esther called Esther, rather than her given name Hadassah (perhaps after the hospital?!)? The classic answer, of course, is that "Esther" connects to "nistar – hidden," since she wisely kept her Jewish lineage hidden from King Never-can-spell-his-name-right-in-English.
But I have another thought on the matter for you: The name "Esther – hidden" relates to much more than just one solitary person. It is a grand statement about the entire saga of Purim in Persia and in fact, it suggests a deeper, more profound comment on Jewish life itself.
The Jews of Shushan were baffled & totally besides themselves. Just the other day they were the sovereign’s sweethearts, close up & cushy with the king, sitting at his banquet in choice seats & sipping (kosher) wine. And now, in a flash, they’re destined for destruction at the hands of Haman the Heartless, without a clue as to their crime. "Why us?" they cry. "Where did we go wrong?"
And then, to their further chagrin, they see Esther strutting royally about the palace. "Hey, what is she doing?! Did she cut some kind of secret deal with the crown; did she sell us out?!"
But all this anxiety & foreboding suddenly turns upside down when the Jews get the news that Haman got the noose. Our salvation is kept hidden til then, but when it is finally revealed, our joy & jubilation knows no bounds. True happiness, you see, is when unexpected – maybe even undeserved - good fortune comes our way. And that is why Adar qualifies as #1 in the happiness column.
In truth, this describes all of Jewish life. We worry, we face enemies, we fixate on all the hassles & heartaches that we think surround us. Yet all the while, Mazal & miracles are being Divinely prepared for us; they’re only hidden til just the right moment. So on Purim - & every day – be happy!
Rabbi Stewart Weiss
Was ordained at the Hebrew Theological College in Skokie, Illinois, and led congregations in Chicago and Dallas prior to making Aliyah in 1992. He directs the Jewish Outreach Center in Ra'anana, helping to facilitate the spiritual absorption of new olim.
Jewish Laws and Thoughts Shul “etiquette:” can we honor Hashem while respecting our fellow congregants?
Igrot Hare’aya Excitement over a Friend’s New Newspaper – #319
Date and Place: 4 Menachem Av 5670 (1910), Rechovot
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(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)
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)
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
