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Balak, King of Moab, hires a professional "curser" to curse the people of Israel – Bilam, a kind of primeval sorcerer whose name attests that he is – "without a nation" – only focused on himself and detached from the broader national context. People who are "without a nation" have a tendency to "lˈkalel", to curse, that is, to find the "kal", easy, and low side in everything. Another nickname used in the Torah to refer to Bilam is "the open-eyed man" – a person with a partial and bitter view who constantly focuses on the shortcomings (which, indeed) exist among the people of Israel.
The word "bracha", blessing, on the other hand, is from the source of "lˈhavrich", to bend a branch over and cover it with earth, so it will take root and grow a new tree. In other words: a broad view that focuses on the good and the big picture, and therefore produces good things.
The community of people settling in Judea and Samaria is the most wonderful community living in the State of Israel today. Exemplary figures who will be remembered in history. Pioneers, people of Torah, army and settlement, who sacrifice themselves daily for a great truth whose morality is becoming more and more apparent. Within this broad range, there are a number of residents who see their friends murdered and do not have enough composure to respond in a stately manner – wrongly and should be dealt with in the most decisive manner – but that is really (!) not the point now. Parts (small and decreasing thank God) of the media try to bash the settlement enterprise with the blood libel of a "pogrom atmosphere". Do not get excited. The main point now is to strengthen resilience and faith. And the faith is, as Bilam said after admitting the truth, "Mah tovu", how goodly are your tents, Jacob, your dwellings, Israel. No, do not break the law, no to anarchy but mostly yes! Yes, continue to settle; yes, keep building; yes, add another 1,000 housing units in Eli; yes, ignore the "Bilams".
And yes – we will win because of you.
The bad will pass
The good will prevail
With God's help
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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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
