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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- D'varim
- Va'etchanan
His greatest disappointment was being told by Hashem that he would not be allowed to enter Eretz Yisrael. But Moshe pleaded; according to Chazal, he offered no less than 515 prayers (the gematria of "V’Etchanan"), all to no avail. He was willing to enter as a "private citizen," rather than as leader of the nation, but that was rejected. He even, says the Medrash, asked to become a bird & fly over the border, but Hashem nixed that, too!
Many reasons are given for Moshe’s desperate desire to live in Israel, the principal one being that he wished to fulfill the Mitzvot that can only be earned in Israel, like Shmita or Ma’aser. Others say that it wasn’t about any specific Mitzva; it was simply Moshe’s steadfast belief that every Jew should live in the Holy Land, that the greatest Mitzva one can do is to be surrounded by the Kedusha permanently permeating this, & only this land.
But there is yet another compelling reason why Moshe was so insistent, even obsessive in wanting to join his people in Eretz Yisrael.
According to some of the commentaries, Moshe very much wanted to be part of the war of conquest that would be fought against the 7 Canaanite nations then residing within the land. He wanted to join a brigade & fight side-by-side with Israel’s brave soldiers, under Yehoshua’s command, & be one of those Giborim who would liberate Israel & claim it for the Jewish People forever. The z’chut, the privilege of being a chayal, Moshe felt, was among the greatest merits he could ever gain in this world. That was one source of his desire to cross the border into Israel & add "soldier" to his titles of King, Navi & Rabbeinu.
What an appropriate message, as we reflect on the wars, both within & without our borders, that we have been fighting for so long, & the current controversy over soldiers & pilots considering "boycotting" military service.
There is no the greater responsibility nor greater honor than donning a Tzahal uniform & fighting to protect the Jewish People. There are some special individuals, such as surgeons & soldiers, who stand apart from the crowd in both their willingness to sacrifice & their elevated status in society, & they must always be above the fray.
We stand in respect of them & in their great merit, we ask that Hashem save us (mostly, from ourselves), bring us true Nechama in these challenging times & grant us victory & lasting Shalom.
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)
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.
