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The Ari z"l offers the following explanation of the Pasuk: "Why is it, he asks, that so many calamities have befallen the Jewish People through the ages? Why do we so often receive a "guilty verdict" from G-d & suffer so much? This cannot be the normal course of human events!"
The Ari answers, from the verse: "It is because of the many disputes between "blood & blood," between Jews & fellow Jews. Our constant machlokot, the disputes within "our own gates," bring upon us these catastrophes. Now, if this was true in his day – before the acrimonious posturing between Zionism & non (or anti-) Zionism, before Light Rail riots & before the divisive debate over the "peace" process, it is certainly true today.
So what is the solution? If both sides sincerely believe in their positions, how can we ever stop the bickering & brotherly battles? Surely, we do not have to abdicate our right – perhaps, our responsibility – to advance our truth; we need not suppress our legitimate opinions.
Rather, I suggest what we need to do, on a much more concerted & conscious level, is seek out issues & causes on which we can agree. To sometimes put aside those items which are sure to divide us, & pick up those things on which we know we can find common ground.
As a rabbi back in the States, I belonged to a rabbinical organization that represented a wide range of theological positions. We decided on a rule that at first glance seems absurd, but actually made a whole lot of sense: We rabbis could & would discuss any & all issues - except those having to do with religion! We knew that would be a sure-fire prescription for in-fighting & dissolution.
So instead we concentrated on "non-religious" projects that bound us together: Soviet Jewry; Ethiopian aliya, non-discrimination for religious observers; harsh sentencing for hate-crimes, increased funding for Jewish education, subsidies for Jewish summer camps, & so on. We accepted that, spiritually, we were miles apart. But there were still lots of things that we all could agree on.
Perhaps the end of the pasuk hints at the greatest common cause behind which the Jews of today should unite: "V’Kamta V’Aliyta…and you shall get up & make Aliya, to the place that Hashem your G-d has chosen."
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?
Igrot Hare’aya Excitement over a Friend’s New Newspaper – #319
Date and Place: 4 Menachem Av 5670 (1910), Rechovot
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
