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Beit Midrash
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The beginning of our parasha discusses both the raising up of light (Bamidbar 8:2) and the lifting up and waving of the levi’im (ibid. 11). The Torah prefers the language of raising up the light rather than kindling, which is parallel to the lifting and waving of the levi’im. The fact that Aharon was capable of raising and waving 22,000 levi’im one after the other was a sign of either incredible strength or a miracle (see Rabbeinu Bachyei ad loc.). But what is the connection between the two types of raising?
The light in the Torah correlates with Torah and wisdom. We find this explicitly in the following p’sukim: "For a commandment is a candle, and Torah is light" (Mishlei 6:23) and "A person’s wisdom shall light up his face" (Kohelet 8:1). Light also represents the spirituality within the physical world. Thus, increasing light is increasing Torah, wisdom, and spirituality. Lighting a menorah in the Mishkan and the Beit Hamikdash, or as the Torah calls it, raising the light, is the adding of spirituality and the strengthening of the Divine Presence in the Sanctuary and through it, in the whole world. The more Divine Presence there is, the greater the light in the world until the world comes to its final rectification. This is in line with what Yeshayahu prophesied: "Nations will walk to your (Jerusalem) light and kings to the aura of your shining" (60:3). The midrash states on this: "Yerushalayim is the light of the world, and Hashem is the light of Yerushalayim" (Bereishit Rabba 59:5).
The Mishkan and Beit Hamikdash are not merely places in which it is possible to serve Hashem through sacrifices. Rather, they are meant to be spiritual centers that spread the light to Israel and to the whole world. This center increases the Divine Presence among Hashem’s children and the whole world.
The levi’im help the kohanim in their service, but they are also tasked with teaching Torah to the whole nation. If the kohen gadol can be called the Minister of Education (see Bava Batra 21a about the educator/kohen gadol, Yehoshua ben Gamla), then the levi’im are the teachers under his guidance. In order for the educational system to work properly, the levi’im must be lifted up. They must be prominent for them to uplift the students of the nation and, through them, the entire nation.
The field of education must be a respected one. The desire is that those who will assume the roles of the nation’s "elite units," who take on the challenges of society, should do so through choice. It should not be that people become educators because they did not get accepted to a more "attractive" track of studies.
One of the ways to attract teachers is to pay them respectably, which enables them to dedicate all the necessary energy and strength for the task of educating. Educators should be the "torch lighters" of the candelabrum of the nation. They should be put on a special pedestal of light spreaders.
May we pray that we will merit to raise the light and to kindle the flame in the souls of the students of Israel. This will cause light to enter every corner of society and will elevate everyone to the fullest
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
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)
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)
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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.
