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Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- D'varim
- D'varim
In Parashat Yitro, the verb used for the appointment of judges is techezeh (Shemot 18:21), which means to see, but is found also in the context of prophecy. It was Moshe Rabbeinu, the great prophet, who was to use prophecy to choose the prophets. This is appropriate considering that one of the major attributes needed for judges was G-d-fearers, which requires the ability for those appointing to see into candidates’ hearts (see Shmuel I, 16:7).
In contrast, according to Parashat Devarim, Moshe told the people to bring forth the desired judges who were chachamim and nevonim, who are known according to their tribes (Devarim 1:13). Rashi explains that the point was that they needed to be known to the people of their tribe because if the people are presented to Moshe, wrapped in a tallit, he will not be able to know the identity and qualifications of each. Therefore, those from their surroundings in which they grew up were to choose the right ones.
The original telling of the story of the spies states that Hashem told Moshe to send them (Bamidbar 13:2). In contrast, in our parasha, the Torah says that the people approached Moshe with the request to send the spies (Devarim 1:22).
Much has been written in an attempt to reconcile these apparent contradictions. I ask our dear readers’ indulgence and suggest a fundamental approach that addresses both issues.
Both apparent approaches are correct. Moshe needed to be involved in the processes, and the people needed to be involved in them. That was the key to success. In fact, in general, one needs to ask two questions before making decisions in life. One is whether the act we are considering will likely "find grace and intellectual acceptance in the eyes of Hashem." The other is whether the same is true from the perspective of human beings.
In regard to the judges, then, we need to consider whom we think Hashem would want us to choose, and whom people will find acceptable. It is important to accept candidates who pass both tests. The same is true regarding attempts to enter the Land: We are to ascertain what Hashem wants us to do so that we can prepare to acquire it, and what steps we should initiate as hishtadlut (human efforts) from our perspective.
Following these lines, we understand why in Parashat Devarim, the Torah adds two qualities that are not found in Parashat Yitro – chachamim and nevonim. Chochma relates to acquired knowledge, in this case, in knowing the laws of the Torah. Tevuna relates to being able to make proper decisions based on the known laws and rules of the Torah. This may be what R. Avraham ben Harambam says (Shut 97): The men needed to be chachamim and nevonim, as one does not work without the other. Chochma is remembering what was said, and bina is the good intellect (sechel tov) and the ability to evaluate.
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The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
