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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Korach
In Parshat Shlach, the majority of the greatest spiritual leaders in the nation (the M’raglim) conclude that the time was not right to enter Israel. Only Kalev & Yehoshua – who were of lesser stature than several others around them – took a minority view & recommended Aliya. And Hashem approved of their "anti-Establishment" position.
Yet here in our Sedra, Korach also goes against the "Establishment" when he takes on cousins Moshe & Ahron. He, too, stands up to the leadership of the nation, to men greater than he, arguing that radical changes in the system must be made & a new direction followed. And opposed to the M’raglim dissenters, he’s swallowed up by the Earth, condemned to eternal damnation!
So how do we decide when to "go against the grain," & when to respect the existing status quo? This is not just some theoretical issue; it involves real choices in the real world. The subjects of these Parshiyot – Israel & Jewish leadership - are as crucial today as they were then.
Do we follow the dictates & personal example of leading Rabbinic figures who do not lead us to Israel – bodily or Halachically – or do we reject them & go our own way, even if that way is a minority position? How do we determine who is a Moshe, & who is a M’ragel?
Might I be so bold as to suggest that there are times when we must follow our own spiritual compass. When we must "ask a shayla" of our own conscience & spirit, & have the courage to follow the answer our soul tells us is right. Yes, we must have authentic Rabbinic backing to lean on, but even if our choice is a minority view, we may follow it, if our neshama tells us that it is the proper path.
Is that not what Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi did when he went against tradition & wrote down the Mishna, the Oral Law? Or what Rav Yochanan ben Zakai did when he disobeyed orders from the ruling authorities & met with the Romans to plead for "Yavne & its Sages?"
Ultimately, of course, we must be prepared to be held accountable for our decisions. We know that it is Hashem who will judge us & ultimately rule if we acted correctly, l’shem Shamayim, or were just "rebels without a cause." Jewish leadership requires a combination of conscience & courage, with hard choices & substantial risk. But it also determines who is a Korach & who is a Kalev.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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
