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We have discussed the connection between roots that contain the root-part tzel, such as tzelem (form), hatzala (salvation), and tzela (rib). We will continue in a similar direction. The Pesikta (Lekach Tov, Bereishit I:26) comments: "Tzelem represents the form in which a matter is seen … and it is similar to ‘their shadow has been removed,’ which means that the images of their faces were changed … due to fear." Ibn Ezra turns this homiletic idea into the simple reading of the pasuk: "If a warrior does not have a shield to protect him and be a shadow for him, his heart will be full of fear." The Seforno explains similarly: "They agree to leave all of their offensive and defensive weapons behind to enable them to flee quickly." Thus, we can explain that the Canaanite nations were so fearful of Bnei Yisrael’s expected arrival that they were ready to throw away their weapons and run for their lives.
We find similar imagery in Az Yashir (Shemot 15:14-15) and in Rachav’s description of her compatriots as Bnei Yisrael were approaching (Yehoshua 2:11). However, this approach is difficult because there is no hint at it in the rest of the discussion. We will go in a different direction.
The gematria (numerical value of the letters) of tzelem is 160, which, points out the Shelah, is the same etz (tree). When Moshe spelled out the spies’ mission, one of the matters to determine was whether "there are trees or not" (Bamidbar 13:20). In Hebrew there is also overlap between the words tzel (shadow) and etz. Rashi connects them by saying that both words hint at righteous people, who have a developed tzelem of Hashem and position themselves in the shadow of the Divine Presence. They protect the people of their nation. Therefore Rashi explains that Yehoshua and Kalev were saying that the "shadow of Hashem" had left them, or in other words, the inhabitants of Canaan lost their spiritual, moral protection. In such circumstances, as long as Bnei Yisrael preserved their own spiritual level, they had nothing to worry about.
In the praises of the beloveds in Shir Hashirim, he says that when the tzelalim disappear, he will go to the Mountain of Mor and the Hill of Levona (Shir Hashirim 4:6). The midrash identifies these places as related to Avraham and Yitzchak, who acted piously together on Mount Moriah. In other words, our protection is from our privilege as descendants of the forefathers.
Our patriarchs taught us that Hashem does not want people to sacrifice their children to Him in the primitive manner of other inhabitants of the Land. (Those of our enemies who use their children as human shields to enable them to more easily target civilian populations and then assail Israel for accidentally injuring their civilian population, are cynical people who embrace the lowest tendencies in mankind, and are undeserving of a part of the merit of the righteous.)
May we merit having leaders like Yehoshua and Kalev, who presented an example of morality in the nation and the Land.
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
