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Beit Midrash
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- The Seder Night
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The hands-down winner in the "favorite song of the Seder" contest, of course, is Dayenu. Each of the 15 Heaven-sent gifts which we received during the Exodus experience are enumerated, eliciting a spirited cry of praise to Hashem, "Each by themselves would have been enough!"
But would it really "have been enough" if G-d divided the sea & we did not safely cross it?! And if we survived that crisis, but Hashem did not provide us with food & water in the desert - so that we quickly perished - would that have been enough?! And if we reached Har Sinai, but stood there aimlessly, never receiving the 10 Commandments, what would have been the point of it all?
Beneath the sing-song rhythm of Dayenu lies a profound philosophy of Jewish life, so apropos for today's scene.
We live in a world of boundless wonders which rival the miracle of the Splitting of the Sea. What was considered science fiction a generation ago is everyday reality today; we can barely keep up with all the new frontiers being conquered. Jewish life has witnessed a Renaissance of scholarship in our era unrivaled in 2000 years. Jews are no longer excluded from any discipline of study or job & enjoy the highest standard of living in our history. The State of Israel – resurrected right before our very eyes - has gathered in the exiles from 100 different Diasporas & built a magnificent country with a valiant army & a vibrant economy. Jews, finally & forever, no longer must wander the planet searching for a place to park our suitcase.
And yet, it never seems to be enough for us. We seem determined to complain about everyone & everything. We castigate our leaders, curse the traffic, mock the justice system. The Right bemoans the Left, and vice-versa; the secular criticize the religious, the prophets of doom fret about the future & obsess about what's wrong with nary a word for what's right. What’s missing is embracing the now & all of its many blessings.
Some people say only when Redemption comes will they relax, smile & be happy. But these people have it exactly backwards: If we start being happy & have a positive outlook, we will bring the Geula! The traditional Pesach greeting, "Have a Chag Kasher V'Sameach," reminds us that only when our Judaism is infused with joy - when Simcha is literally the "last word" - will we achieve our true liberation. That, in a nutshell, is Dayenu – so sing it loud, sing it proud!
Additional Lessons Stealing the Afikoman
How to Keep Our Kids at the Seder and On The Derech of Torah
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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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
