YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Naso
We start with Sotah. A man suspects his wife of infidelity, & so she may be placed "on trial" before the Kohen. But the wife isn't the only one held up for scrutiny. Her husband is also viewed with disdain by Chazal. Says Rashi: "This section follows that of the gifts given by the people to the Kohen." Why? This man was arrogant and withheld his gift; now he is forced to face the Kohen & thus have to reveal his embarrassing family situation.
It comes down to Control. This husband did not want to cede control of any of his assets to the Kohen ("Why should I give up what is mine?" he thought); & he also wanted to control his wife. Now, his life is out of control & he must submit to the will of others & their judgment.
The Nazir also has control problems. He fears that he cannot control his actions & will be tempted to sin. So he makes a vow to retreat from life, to limit his interaction with others - at parties, even at funerals - & become a kind of "Jewish monk." So Rambam says he must atone for his abstinence & learn to master his temptations, so that he can both avoid sin and still interact with society.
Birkat Kohanim: Why is it davka the Kohen who delivers this blessing? If it comes from Hashem, then let G-d bestow it upon us Himself! And why must the Kohen cover himself with a Talit & hide his face? This, too, is all about Control: Yes, Man does indeed have the power to evoke bracha, to bring Divine favor upon the world. But lest one forget that the blessing emanates from G-d & the Kohen believe that he is the source, that he controls the flow, he goes "undercover" & turns "invisible," sublimating his role in deference to the power of Hashem.
Which brings us to Shavuot: A symbiotic relationship exists between Torah & Am Yisrael: The Torah can only find expression, or "live," through the Jewish People, & we cannot live - spiritually or physically - without Torah. We need & depend upon each other (thus "Yisrael" is an acronym for "Yesh shishim ribo otiyot l'Torah" - there are 600,000 letters in the Torah, one for each person).
In a sense, the Torah "controls" us, guiding our every act. Yet at the same time, it is we who control it, for without our partnership, it is merely a lifeless piece of parchment. When each of us does our share, we bring happiness, harmony, & blessing to our lives. Chag 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)
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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
