YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- D'varim
- Ki Tavo
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Asher Ben Haim
It is well known that the conquest took fourteen years to complete. The question that presents itself is why the mitzva of bikkurim did not go into effect after each section of Eretz Israel was conquered and as soon as each part was cultivated and bore fruit. After all, the mitzva of bikkurim is primarily a demonstration of hakarat hatov, appreciation and thanks, to God for having granted us the privilege of living in Eretz Israel and enjoying its fruits. Why then was it necessary to wait until all of Eretz Israel was conquered and apportioned? The Gemara in Pesachim (36b) emphasizes that the mitzva of bikkurim is fulfilled between Shavuot and Sukkot because that is the time of the ingathering of the fruit when the joy is greatest. Why, then, were the Jewish people not required to give thanks for the land and its fruit during their first fourteen years in the land?
The Torah seems to be teaching us that our personal happiness cannot be complete until all of Eretz Israel is conquered and settled. While mitzvot pertaining to the land of Israel must be fulfilled on every inch of the holy land, the mitzva of bikkurim, thankfulness and appreciation to God for having given us the fruit of the land, cannot be fulfilled until all of the land is ours and until all Jews dwell therein. To be complete, our personal happiness must be coupled with the happiness of Klal Israel.
While the conquest of all of Eretz Israel may appear to be something in the distant future, Jews settling in the land which is already ours can be achieved right now.
We hope and pray that all Jews will settle in the land and that God will grant us the privilege of possessing all of Eretz Israel in our own time.
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Rabbis in Midrash
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Israel and the Nations A Few Minutes & Many Innovative Ideas on Antisemitism & What to do About It
As we approach the High Holidays, this short lecture (18 minutes) deals with the unfortunate situation of how Israel and the Jewish People stand against antisemitism, analyzing its cause according to Rav Kook, and how to deal with the issue pragmatically & via our prayers.
Ha'azinu PURSUIT is PERFECTION
p. Ha'azinu, Shabbat Shuva
Rav Kook deals with the question of the seemingly hopeless nature of Tshuva. For G-d Himself knows that He created us with free will, which inevitably means we will sometimes make mistakes and choose wrong. This can easily be frustrating, freezing us into inaction and ye'ush (loss of hope). If one sins even once, does he chalila have no choice but suicide?! Moreover, our Godly conscience demands justice, righteousness and perfection, but we all know this is impossible, so what's the solution? Rav Kook's innovative thinking, strongly based on chazal (our sages), offers an inciteful and important aspect to this topic, especially this time of year!
Sukkot Bug-Free Sukkah: Essential Halachic and Practical Schach Guide
How to inspect, clean, and store bamboo mats and palm branches to protect your mitzvah and holiday meals.
