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This is Moshe’s challenge as he addresses the nation; the entire last book of the Torah comprises his farewell speech. He must choose his words carefully & emphasize the truly important points & principles that the nation can take with them as they march into the future.
I’m intrigued by one particular comment Moshe makes: "He afflicted you, & He made you hungry, & He fed you the Mahn that neither you nor your forefathers knew."
Why, how did Hashem "afflict" us? G-d is a giving, loving G-d; why would he possibly want to afflict us? Indeed, this same section is filled with all the wonderful things G-d did for us in the desert, & ends by promising us a beautiful, verdant Land that will satisfy our every need. So what was this affliction, & what is its connection to the Mahn & to Israel?
I suggest that the Mahn is perfectly emblematic both of Israel & the Jewish condition.
Among the many (or is it Mahn-y?!) miracles contained within the Mahn, its most famous feature was that it could taste like (almost) any food one could imagine! Yet at the same time, the Mahn had a catch: it only lasted for a day (except for Shabbat) & then it rotted & melted away. Thus, one held in his hands something truly unique & precious, but at the same time fragile & fleeting.
This combination was what was so "afflicting." To have something so amazing, yet know it would soon disappear, must have been terribly frustrating. But, of course, this was all by design; there was a powerful method to Hashem’s "mahn-ness." He wants us to acknowledge all the manifold gifts He gives us, & human nature dictates that we don’t know what we have until we lose it. And so, ironically, it was only by watching the Mahn vanish before our very eyes that we came to fully appreciate its value.
And so it is with Israel. Whether we are talking about the first 2 Batei Mikdash, or the fantastic country we live in today, we are always in danger of taking it for granted. It is more miraculous than Mahn, & yet we often lose sight of the blessing that greets us the moment we open our eyes each morning. And that is precisely why our very existence here is so fragile, our future so worrisome, our security so tenuous. It is all meant to conquer our complacency, to amplify our appreciation, & to insure our eternal gratitude to, and dependence upon the Almighty.
Igrot Hare’aya Refuting Criticism by the Ridbaz – #311 – part IV
Date and Place: 19 Sivan 5670 (1910), Yafo
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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)
