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The sin of bowing down to the Golden Calf epitomizes the opposite outlook. Perhaps for this reason, the second Tablets were in an ark made of wood (ibid. 10:1-4), not one whose inside and outside were gold (see Shemot 25:10-22). (We will not get involved here in the question of how many arks there were.)
In the desert, dependence on the material world was limited. It was the entry into Eretz Yisrael and the material success there that raised this as a challenge to relate properly to the physical world. The pasuk about the desert says that Hashem gave the people the manna as opposed to regular food "in order to teach you that man does not live on bread alone" but on that which Hashem speaks (Devarim 8:3). Regarding Eretz Yisrael, the Torah says that the nation was going to a good land of streams, which produces wheat, barley, grapes, …, in which there will be plenty of food and quarries for important metals (ibid. 7-9).
On the one hand, a life of plenty has a spiritual advantage, in that there is much to thank Hashem for when we eat the food of the Land (ibid. 10). On the other hand, the Torah warns that when one is successful in having nice houses, plentiful livestock, and an accumulation of precious metals, his ego may become inflated, and he may think that he alone is responsible for his own success (ibid. 12-18). It is critical for him to remember that it is Hashem who gave him the ability to receive all of those blessings.
The same issue pertains to military activity. Moshe foretold that Hashem would help Bnei Yisrael conquer great cities and powerful giants (ibid. 9:3). On the other hand, the Torah warns not to think that it is out of our righteousness that we succeeded in these conquests, but rather due to Hashem’s promise to us (ibid. 4-6).
After 3,500 years since the original entry into the Land, we have merited to return to Eretz Yisrael and establish an independent state that has registered many successes in the physical world. Our population enjoys a high standard of living and one of the world’s highest life expectancies. We are the epitome of scientific success and technological innovation.
Let us remind ourselves: the main thing is the spirituality, clinging to the Divine Presence. We did not succeed in order to sink into materialism. Our military power is reason to thank Hashem, which should be a goal in and of itself. We would like to be fully deserving of such success, based on our spiritual accomplishments, but the path is still long until we get there. Let us pray that we will succeed in the many important tasks before us.
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)
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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)
