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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- D'varim
- Ki Tavo
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Hana Bat Haim
"It shall be on the day that you cross the Jordan to the Land ... and you shall erect (vahakemota) large stones and coat them with plaster. You shall write upon them all the words of this Torah as you cross in order that you should enter the Land... It shall be when you cross the Jordan, you shall erect (takimu) these stones that I am commanding you today on Mt. Eival ... Build an altar there ... Sacrifice shelamim and eat there and be happy before Hashem ... Write on the stones all the words of the Torah, elucidated well." Abarbanel was troubled by a simple question. Why does the Torah repeat the same thing, to take stones and write on them after crossing the Jordan, in such close proximity?
Abarbanel answers with a fascinating claim. The first time the Torah did not command to take action. Rather, it predicted that Bnei Yisrael would act as other nations do. Namely, after reaching a momentous occasion, entering the Promised Land with the prospect of finally settling it, they would make a monument to capture the moment for posterity. "The words of Torah as you cross" refer to those events that the Torah describes that are related to the preparations to cross into the Land.
Hashem allowed Bnei Yisrael to continue with their plans but instructed them to make the monument appropriate for the Nation of the Torah. It should incorporate all the mitzvot of the Torah and put all in the perspective, not only of a historical attainment, but of an act of perpetuation of the covenant with Hashem, the ultimate purpose of their entering the Land. Mt. Eival was chosen as the site to erect the stones and sacrifice to Hashem for one of two reasons. One is that on that mountain Bnei Yisrael would be warned of the negative consequences of not living up to their side of the agreement. The other is that it would give a positive look on the happenings on Mt. Eival and not have it known only for the curses for Bnei Yisrael if they do not comply.
This commandment, according to Abarbanel, provides an eye-opening approach to the mindset of the nation entering the Land. They were to experience conquest, setting up political and judicial systems, and more, as Sefer Devarim foretold. They would want to act in the ways of the nations and show their pride in their achievements. This tendency need not be denied, as long as it was modified to take into full account their status as a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.
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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)
