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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.
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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
