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From a practical point of view, this is indeed the role of the government and operational echelons. But we can contribute to public pressure that will lead to a harsher and more correct response.
Psychologically speaking, this is the time to look at Chukat, the Torah portion that we will read this coming Shabbat. It [Chukat] deals entirely with death and crises – ritual impurity of those coming into contact with the deceased; the death of Miriam; the sin of Mei Meriva (the water of dispute where Moshe hit the rock); the death of Aharon; the plague of the fiery serpents. In life we encounter "chok", i.e., the limitations of reality; a head-on collision with a seemingly impassable wall: disasters, human evil; sins and passions; injuries, and foremost among them is death.
But it turns out that death can also be defeated! The commandment of the red heifer is to take the total power of life that a "large cow", full of redness, "upon which a yoke was not placed" – and to sprinkle its ashes onone who was made impure by coming into contact with death. In other words: to add living flesh and blood in this world, to break the yoke of the bondage of death. In a world where the image of "nechashim serafim", fiery serpents, gives the feeling that reality is managed by random "nechashim" [which also means guessing in Hebrew] that "soref", burns us from the inside – we look up to Heaven and overcome. We will continue the lives of Elisha, Harel, Ofer and Nachman may their blood be avenged– by saying that "God will avenge their blood": we will avenge their spilled blood by increasing Torah learning, prayer, settlement, family and life; that way the authorized authorities will carry out the death penalty on those who deserve it.
The bodies of Elisha, Harel, Ofer and Nachman are not with us; their souls are bound in the bond of life of all of us, and we will meet them in the end, in the place where everyone meets after death.
The bad will pass.
The good will prevail.
With God’s help
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)
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)
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)
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.
