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Beit Midrash
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The Jewish People languished in slavery & degradation for more than a century. Coming as it did, following a long period of comfortable living in Goshen, Avdut Mitzrayim must surely have been unbearable for them. At some point, no doubt, the Israelites must have had one of two rather depressing thoughts about G-d: Either He is powerless – if He exists at all; or He is cruel, & He wants us to suffer.
And yet, we still cried out to Hashem. Somehow, rather than blame Hashem for our sad state of affairs, we reached out to Him & looked to Him to save us. This tremendous reservoir of faith was surprising even to Moshe, who had doubts that we would believe G-d when He said He would free us. How can we explain this unshakeable quality of trust & faith that is embedded in our DNA?
The late Rabbi Dr. Abraham Twerski relates that he once had an epiphany while watching a mother bring her young child to the doctor. The moment that the child saw the doctor’s familiar white coat, he remembered past experiences and started to scream & run away. He was even more panic-stricken when the doctor took out a syringe. As his mother held him down, he kicked & clawed at her, desperately trying to get loose.
But when the shot was over, the child instinctively hugged his mother & even thanked the doctor for helping him to feel better. Deep down, instinctively, he knew that they both were there to help him, & not to hurt him.
So it is with us & G-d. We can’t understand why we sometimes suffer, any more than that child could understand. But our faith is such that even when we angrily protest, we are innately aware that Hashem is a loving mother & a healing doctor. And so we cry & cling to Him.
Last week, I lost a dear friend of mine. My first reaction was to question Hashem & to ask, "Why? What was the point in taking such a wonderful person, who helped so many others throughout his too-short life?" But when some of the grief subsided, my faith system kicked in, & I thanked Hashem for having given life to someone so special. And I asked Hashem to receive him in Gan Eden.
The Hagada graphically details the horrendous suffering we endured in Egypt, but boldly declares, "Blessed is He who keeps His promise to Israel." Yes, the Maror, with its bitterness, is part & parcel of our Seder, & we fully acknowledge it. But in the end, we pray & we praise G-d with Hallel & declare these undying words of complete faith: L’Shana Haba’a B’Yerushalayim!
Igrot Hare’aya Excitement over a Friend’s New Newspaper – #319
Date and Place: 4 Menachem Av 5670 (1910), Rechovot
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
