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Our physical liberation at the Exodus was incomplete; we also needed a crucial spiritual component in order to perfect ourselves & justify the "Great Escape" which G-d orchestrated on our behalf. Day-by-day we would climb the mountain of self-improvement, shedding our slave persona & regaining our bearing as G-d’s first-born. Only then would we be ready for the mountain (of Sinai).
As we nightly count the Omer, we mention the 7 attributes that correspond to each day: Chesed, G’Vura, Tiferet, Netzach, Hod, Y’Sod, & Malchut. To achieve perfection, we should understand what these qualities are, & do our best to integrate them into our daily lives.
These 7 terms, according to the Kabala, also represent the 7 Sefirot (spheres) of the Universe & the 7 thousand-year periods through which humanity must pass before we ultimately reach the Final Redemption. If our counting is accurate, then we in Hebrew year 5783 are in the very last quarter of that 6th thousand-year period, just a bit before Geula (thus the phrase, "Reva L’Sheva.").
Kabbalists differ as to which is the 1st & the last of the Sefirot. Some say Malchut is the last stage, because at that point in history, we & the world at large will willingly come to accept G-d’s Kingship (Malchut) & authority.
But others say the last phase of existence is Chesed. Ultimately G-d, the Giver, will bring the Redemption out of abundant kindness to humanity (whether we deserve it or not) as a gesture of Hashem’s unqualified love for us.
If that is so - & Chesed is indeed the final stage - then we are now in the era of Gevura. "Gevura" is a mystical blend of strength, will & purpose that together make up what we call Courage. Courage is what enables us to step up & be proud that we are Jews & carry the name "Israel;" to admit our failings & dare to be better; to believe – really believe - that there is a G-d who is the true source of our sustenance & survival.
Our Rabbis warn us that as we near Geula, times will get tougher & the challenges of Am Yisrael will increase. Yes, Hashem will deliver the ultimate Chesed to us - but we shall have to earn it. If we want to make it to the end of the rainbow, we will have to gather all our courage & hang tough in what may be very, very tough times.
For in the final Sefira, it will be Courage that Counts.
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)
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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)
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)
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
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
