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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Chukat
Ahron’s great talent was making peace between people, particularly those at odds with one another. He was able to succeed at this because he, like Moshe, was extremely humble & did not consider himself better than anyone else. This is exemplified by his selfless acceptance of Moshe, his younger brother, as leader of the nation.
The protective clouds provided in his honor are called Ananei HaKavod; literally, the clouds of honor. By teaching others to honor their fellow man, Ahron was instrumental in creating a beautiful, holy environment that was loved & safeguarded by G-d. (Note that Rabbi Akiva’s students died for not giving kavod to one other).
But when Ahron died, the great role model of bein adam l’chavero (harmony between people) was gone, & the peoples’ respect for each other went into decline. This led to strife & machloket, & eventually war. And so, our Parsha - sadly but perfectly - fits the pattern of dissension running through the complainers of B’ha’alotcha, the slanderous spies of Shlach & the rebellion of Korach.
The lesson offered here should be painfully obvious to us. We are caught up in a worldwide vortex of Jew/Israel hatred (which, of course, are one & the same) that may lead to violence & G-d forbid, war. Where it will all end up, only Hashem knows, but where it begins is clear as day: it begins with Jew vs. Jew disrespect.
Now, the fact that we argue with each other is not necessarily or inherently destructive. After all, the Gemara is all about argument & staking out different positions in order to arrive at the ultimate Truth.
But how do we argue with each other?! Do we honor & give credence to the others position, or do we dismiss it out of hand? Do we accept that there may be more than one way of looking at things, or do we insist that ours is the only opinion that is even worth considering?
The Sages tell us the reason Halacha generally follows Bet Hillel & not Bet Shamai is that Bet Hillel always considered the views of Bet Shamai before expressing its own. It was truly a "Torat Ahron," & one we should diligently pursue today - before it’s too late.
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)
Rabbis in Midrash
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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)
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.
