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Although in historical retrospect it is clear that Yirmeyahu was correct, many of the people of his time viewed him as a heretic. They viewed the Divine Presence in the Temple as a fact that could not be altered (see Yirmeyahu 7:4). As a matter of fact, some of Yirmeyahu’s opponents wanted to have him killed for his harsh words regarding the people and especially the Temple (see Yirmeyahu 26). There is indeed some truth to the claim that there is permanence to the Divine Presence at the Temple site. The midrash says that the western wall will never be destroyed (Bamidbar Rabba 11). Forgetting about the physical structure, the Rambam rules that one cannot enter the site when impure because "even in its destruction, its sanctity remains intact" (Beit Habechira 7:7).
On the other hand, some 150 years earlier the prophet, Micha, referred to the philosophy that the Temple was indestructible and attacked it strongly. "On Hashem they will lean, saying: ‘for Hashem is in our midst, evil will not befall us.’ Therefore, because of you Zion will be ploughed like a field and Jerusalem will be like heaps of rubble and the Temple Mount will be like stone heaps in the forest" (Micha 3: 11-12). Yirmeyahu had said that the Temple would be like Shiloh and the inhabitants of the city would be wiped out from it (Yirmeyahu 26:9). The "defense team" said that just as Micha had not been harmed, so should they allow Yirmeyahu the freedom to speak in Hashem’s Name (ibid.:18).
The historical precedent of Shiloh was a strong argument indeed. Shiloh had been the site not of the permanent structure of the Temple, but it was the site of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), the precursor to the Temple, which had indeed been destroyed. Let us pursue the comparison. The ones who had operated the Tabernacle at Shilo had been the descendants of Itamar, including Eili, under whose watch the Mishkan was destroyed. One of the members of Eili’s family, Evyatar, upon being banished by King Solomon, was sent home to Anatot (Melachim I, 2). As Yirmeyahu was also a kohen from Anatot hundreds of years later, it is likely that he too was from Eili’s family. There is a rabbinic tradition that the Tabernacle stood in Shiloh for 369 years (Tosefta, Zevachim 13:6). Yirmeyahu’s prophecy was said at the beginning of Yehoyakim’s reign. At that time, one can calculate that the Temple had been standing exactly 369 years. Yirmeyahu, based on his family tradition and the timing, was able to speak with a chilling force when he said the Temple would be destroyed like Shiloh, thus eliciting such a harsh reaction.
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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.
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(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)
