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In the past, we have presented a thesis that the sale of Yosef was the root cause of the Golden Calf and of the execution of the Ten Martyrs, which included Rabbi Akiva. As in contemporary times we seem to always be struggling with national tendencies of sinat chinam (baseless hatred). We will now try to look at the matter of the sale of Yosef from a different perspective.
The Yerushalmi (Shekalim 2:3) investigates the idea behind the donation of a half-shekel coin (the full shekel coin weighs 20 gera), which is presented as an "atonement for the soul" (Shemot 30:15). R. Yehuda says that its significance was as an atonement for the sin of the Golden Calf, which was done in the middle (half) of the day. R. Yehoshua says that since the people violated the Ten Commandments, they should each bring a coin that weighs ten gera. Rav Berechia continues on the theme of the significance of weights for atonement. Since Bnei Yisrael sold Rachel’s firstborn for 20 silver coins, all Jews have to give the weight of 20 silver coins for their firstborn son.
The first two agree that the half-shekel coin is somehow related to the sin of the Golden Calf. One focuses on the textual hint that relates to the time of day and one focuses on the Ten Commandments, which were violated in the process of the horrendous, sinful episode. Rav Berechia, in that same discussion, connects the coins to the sale of Yosef. There is a final opinion in the Yerushalmi that connects the sale of Yosef with the half-coin. The brothers, who received 20 silver coins, each received two and, says R. Pinchas, Bnei Yisrael would have to give a half-shekel, equal in weight to those silver coins.
Let us present a new idea about the connection between the Golden Calf, the sale of Yosef, and the Ten Commandments. Yosef’s brothers sinned in the realm of between man and his fellow man. The Golden Calf was a sin between man and his Maker. The former is presented on one Tablet given to Moshe, and the latter on the other. The half-shekel atonement hints that it is a mistake to try to separate between these elements, as we must remember there are two halves. We need to look for the common denominator and to complete ourselves. We also need, nationally, to realize that we must learn from those who put a stress on social justice, as well as those who stress service of Hashem, in order to have a full picture.
In the hope that we will all learn to treat each other with respect, let us build a more perfect society in the State of Israel, one which is fit for the Divine Presence to dwell amongst us.
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)
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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)
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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.
