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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Hana Bat Haim
However we translate the word, experience shows that the feeling of power that can cause one to credit himself more and credit Hashem less can be prompted by either military or financial success. Yirmeyahu extends this phenomenon to the realm of intellect: "Let the wise not pride himself in his wisdom, let the brave not pride himself in his bravery, and let the wealthy not pride himself in his wealth" (Yirmeyahu 9:22). After mentioning the danger of abuses in those three areas, Yeshayahu warns also judges not to abuse the power associated with their high position (Yeshayahu 9:22).
What is one to do when success in the military, the realm of the intellect, finance, and even the judiciary are all corruptive? Can a society survive without these things? We need a strong army, talented entrepreneurs, and an independent and powerful judiciary! Our parasha also contains a reference to a solution.
"Do not say in your heart, when Hashem pushes out [the nations] from before you, ‘Because of my righteousness Hashem has brought me to inherit this Land’" (Devarim 9: 4). Rather our relationship with Hashem is founded upon "... in your fathers Hashem desired to love them and He chose their offspring after them" (Devarim 10:15). From what stems the merit of the forefathers, which enabled their offspring to receive the covenant with Hashem and protects them from harsh punishment (see ibid.:27)? Was it only whatever specific mitzvot that they kept even before the Torah was given at Sinai? Moshe mentions another reason why Bnei Yisrael were successful in conquering the Land, which may shed light on the issue. "For due to the wickedness of those nations Hashem has removed them from before you" (ibid.:5). The symbol of the wickedness of the nations was Sodom. Within the context of the destruction of that wicked city, Hashem declared that He saw the proper education that Avraham gave to his household in regard to "charity and justice." Any power or success can be corruptive if it is not quickly and effectively put in the context of charity and justice. Whereas the nations consistently allowed their power to corrupt, our forefathers were called "the straight ones."
Let us pray that the State of Israel will successfully follow the example of our forefathers, having chayil that is used for good and does not corrupt.
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
