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This dramatic statement by Hashem - the essence of our special reading for Parshat HaChodesh this Shabbat - declares that our calendar must be re-ordered so Nisan officially becomes the 1st month of the Hebrew year, despite the fact that the world was created in Tishrei (we proclaim Rosh Hashana as "Hayom Harat Olam, the birthday of the world.")
This pasuk has far-reaching consequences. The word "lachem – to you" teaches us that G-d gave mortal man control over the calendar, with the power to manipulate it whenever necessary, such as intercalating it & adding a second Adar when necessary (primarily to keep Pesach in the Spring, the season when it must be celebrated).
But I want to focus for a moment on the word "Chodesh." It means "month," because it connects to "chadash, new." The moon is always renewing itself, going from a tiny silver sliver to a bright, full orb. This epitomizes Am Yisrael; our fortunes wax & wane according to both the merit we accrue due to our actions along with Hashem’s Chesed.
But chadash, I suggest, has another connotation. It hints at our unique ability as a People to renew ourselves, & to re-invent ourselves. This is precisely what we needed to do when we left Egypt for Israel. We had to transform ourselves from a disparate collection of tribes into a unified nation that would fight to win our land, & then farm & develop it. Our tribal leaders would defer to Yehoshua, to judges & to kings.
Then, when, sadly, we were exiled to every corner of the globe, we would have to re-invent ourselves again & find ways to survive in the most difficult of Diasporas, which often cruelly persecuted us & severely limited our ability to make a living or freely practice our religion.
And now, B"H, we have miraculously returned from Exile to Israel. And once more, we had to re-invent ourselves & rebuild all the institutions of a nation: our government, our economy, our army, our social welfare system. After 2000 years, this opportunity has again been awarded to us, & we must now exchange a Diaspora mentality for a nation-state posture where we are the decisors. Rather than being controlled, WE have control.
Now, we must embrace our national identity right along with our ongoing religious identity. The two must go hand-in-hand; we cannot create "states within a state" for that will only divide & then ultimately disillusion us. Even 75 years after declaring statehood, this is still a "new" challenge to be met.
Parshat HaChodesh, fittingly, is Shmot"s final Torah reading; it is a cap to Redemption, both then & now. Hashem, I believe, is looking down upon us & saying, "This month, this year, & all the rest of history is 'Lachem,' for you!"
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)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 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
