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Rashi answered that the first mention of setting the times of the year refers to the setting of the beginning of the new month (kiddush hachodesh), whereas the second one refers to the setting of the leap month on certain years (ibbur hashana). We need to make leap years to adjust our lunar calendar for two purposes. One is so that Pesach will always fall in the spring, as the Torah requires. The other is so that when Bnei Yisrael make the sojourn to Yerushalayim for the three major "pilgrimage holidays," this will be not during the rainy season. The former need we can categorize as one to honor Hashem, and the second one is out of concern for national needs. In other words, one is for the Father and one is for His nation.
In order to have a proper mo’ed, both the date of the month and the decision of when to add a month are critical. But there is a halachic difference between the two. In the process of kiddush hachodesh, those who are involved may violate Shabbat if necessary, for example by traveling on Shabbat upon seeing the new moon. Ibbur hashana does not allow the violation of Shabbat. According to Rashi’s reading of the pasuk, we understand the layout of the p’sukim. The mitzva of setting the month is written before Shabbat, because the former takes precedence over the latter. The mention of the leap year comes after mention of Shabbat because Shabbat takes precedence over it.
We learn from the precedence of kiddush hachodesh to Shabbat that the basic needs of the nation as a nation-state are supreme. There are far reaching rules, to which we cannot do justice in this forum. We will mention, though, that our teacher and mentor, Rav Shaul Yisraeli zt"l taught us an important lesson in his sefer Amud Hayemini (siman 17). When an individual has a critical need for something to be done on Shabbat, we have for centuries looked for a "Shabbos goy" to do certain things. However, when it comes to operating a police force or army on Shabbat, it is implausible that we should give over our security to someone else. Rav Yisraeli was in the forefront of setting the halachic rules whereby Shabbat-observant Jews would be able to serve as policemen on Shabbat in the halachically mandated manner. In such a setting, there are times when even in order to keep the peace in regard to personal property and not only direct danger to life, a policeman can at times do what would otherwise be a violation of Shabbat.
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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.
