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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Balak
Bilaam’s ancestry is mysterious; we’re not sure exactly where he came from. Indeed, chazal say his name can be read as, "Bli Am," nation-less. He was a kind of "gun for hire" & would work on behalf of any person or country that paid him. In our Sedra, he is hired by Balak, king of Moav, to use his considerable talents to curse the Jews.
Balak would ideally like to defeat Israel in battle, but he’s heard of Egypt’s demise, & he fears that we have Divine protection. So he calls upon Bilaam – who actually can speak directly to G-d & has a worldwide reputation – to malign & defame us in the Heavenly court. The "unholy alliance" Bilaam & Balak forge is perfectly indicated by taking the last two letters of Bilaam’s name, & combining them with the last two letters of Balak’s name. That spells – wait for it - Amalek (and now you see the connection to Haman, the Amaleki!).
On the surface, you might shrug off this failed attempt to curse us. You might repeat the famous rhyme about how (derogatory) names, unlike sticks & stones, cannot hurt us. But, regrettably, that’s not so. Since most people take what they see or read at face value, they will generally tend to develop a negative attitude towards something or someone who is continually demonized. And that false impression can lead to hate crimes, violence & murder.
The Torah therefore forbids us of speaking badly about others, and the vilest form of this is Motzi Shem Ra, when people fabricate malicious actions we are accused of. Indeed, Israel has a law on the books that allows one to sue if he or she has been injured by Motzi Shem Ra or Lashon Ha-Ra.
Hashem, of course, knows the damage which Bilaam could cause if his curses are allowed to be enunciated & broadcast. And so, once again, G-d intervenes in history to not only prevent the curses to be made, but to change them into blessings that positively reflect & define us to this very day.
Now you may wonder, "Why didn’t Balak ask Bilaam to use his powers to bless Moav, rather than curse Israel?!" A good question. But that is part of the pervasive hatred & anti-Semitism the enemies near us & throughout the world have: they would rather destroy Israel than have good lives of their own.
May Hashem continue to frustrate their desires, guard us & grant Israel peace.
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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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.
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The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
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(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
