YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- D'varim
- Shoftim
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Asher Ben Haim
The inspiring end of the tefilla for the welfare of IDF soldiers is taken from our parasha. In explaining why Israel’s troops should not fear the perils of war, the kohen declares: "For Hashem, your G-d, goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to save you" (Devarim 20:4). There is much to learn from the participants in the "pre-battle rally."
The Torah refers to the audience of the declarations as ha’am (the nation), instead of terms like the "army" and "men of war" used for combatants in Parashat Matot. To borrow a phrase, this stresses the Israelite army’s role as the army of the people, by the people, for the people. Everyone is a potential participant in the battle, some at the front, some in the home guard, some in providing supplementary resources. All are to face the dangers and challenges with a belief that Hashem is the ultimate warrior and savior.
The declarations are divided into three (ibid. 20:3-10). First, the kohen urges not to fear because of Hashem’s participation. Next, the shotrim (officers) announce that new homeowners, those with vineyards from which they had not yet eaten, and the betrothed who had not yet wed should go home lest they die before reaching fulfillment in the respective areas. Finally, the shotrim continue urging the fearful and weak of heart to leave rather than cause damage.
The Ramban points out that it is the religious leader who gives the most upbeat forecast, that there is no reason to fear because Hashem can save every soldier. This is tempered by the shotrim’s "realistic" approach that people should know that in the natural world, which Hashem ordained, soldiers fall even from the victors. We might add that this second section is passed on by the shotrim only after the kohen recites it to them (Sota 43a). Indeed, there is no philosophical debate; rather the Torah wants the appropriate articulators to leave the fitting tone on each element of the complex situation.
The first declaration opens with the words "Shema Yisrael." R. Shimon Bar Yochai, who spurned involvement in the mundane elements of life and urged a life of Torah study and spirituality alone (see Berachot 35b & Shabbat 31a), said the following fascinating thing. Even if the only merit they have is reciting Shema Yisrael, they are fit to be victorious. That does not seem to be raising the bar too high. One might have guessed that the people would be warned to either repent fully or be smitten, using fear as an impetus for change, as the prophets did and as we do on Yom Kippur. Apparently, the Torah felt that the wartime is a time to concentrate on the soldiers’ positive spirit. After a militarily successful campaign, focus can shift to spiritual gains.
May we be successful in all these realms now and in the future.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
