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Beit Midrash
- Shabbat and Holidays
- The Seder Night
- The Four Cups
This powerful passage from the Hagada is recited as we open the door on Seder night for Eliyahu haNavi, who, by tradition, will announce the coming of Moshiach. It comes just after we have poured the 4th cup of the Arba Kosot.
Among the commentaries as to why we have 4 cups at the Seder is that each cup represents a different world power that oppressed us. The 1st cup represents Babylonia; the 2nd Persia; the 3rd is Greece & the 4th is Rome. While the first three empires have long since ceased to exist, "Rome" & its successors are still considered to be prevalent in various forms, & we continue to suffer from the hatred & anti-Semitism they exhibit. That is why this 4th cup is the one that immediately precedes the call for G-d to avenge the Jewish blood that has been spilled (& this is one more reason why davka red wine, resembling blood, is considered optimum for the Seder’s 4 cups).
As a nation, we have always maintained the highest moral code. Even under the greatest duress, when we have been discriminated against & treated cruelly, we did not respond in kind. Our enemies accuse us of precisely what they themselves are guilty of, & then the U.N.A.I. (United Nations Against Israel) comes & rubber-stamps it.
So although G-d could have brought Egypt to its knees with 1 massive Plague, the Makot come in much smaller increments, allowing Paro at any point to relent, repent & save his nation. And even when the final plague hits, the Killing of the 1st-born, we are told not to emerge from our homes to gloat over their misfortune or take revenge. We are to restrain ourselves and never compromise our holiness and G-dliness.
We endure terrible trials, but justice must be done at some point, because Hashem is the Eternal Balancer of the Books. The G-d of Justice will call all the nations to account for their evil actions, as well as their evil plans that never came to fruition (thanks in great part to Hashem’s holy messengers, the IDF).
The story is told of the rabbi who was once invited to an ecumenical conference & asked to give a prayer. He agrees, but on the condition that the other clergy keep it non-denominational & do not mention their specific religion. But the priest ends his prayer in the name of JC, & the imam gives his in the name of Allah. The rabbi, clearly incensed at their arrogance and abrogation of their agreement, gets up to the podium, shakes his fist at his colleagues & yells out: "Sh’foch chamatcha al ha-goyim!" He then looks out at the audience, smiles & says, "How good it is when brothers dwell together."
Patience & punishment, revenge & reconciliation, it’s all in the mix, & all in good time. Chag Kasher V’Sameach.
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?
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.
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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
