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When Jerusalem was chosen, not only was it elevated in standing, but all other places experienced a disqualification. This concept is referred to in Divrei Hayamim (I, 22:1): "David said: This is the House of Hashem, the Lord, and this is the altar for sacrifices for Israel." This is to exclude other places. In fact, among the halachot that this impacts is that once "the place" begins operating as the center of service of Hashem, it becomes forbidden to bring sacrifices in any other place, as is spelled out in our parasha.
Chazal (mishna, Zevachim 14:4-8) spell it out as follows: "Before the Mishkan (Tabernacle) was erected, bamot (private altars) were permitted … Once the Mishkan was erected, the bamot were forbidden… They came to Gilgal (after crossing the Jordan), bamot were permitted… They came to Shilo (long-time home of the Mishkan), the bamot were forbidden … They came to Nov and Givon (after the destruction of the Mishkan in Shilo), the bamot were permitted … They came to Jerusalem, the bamot were forbidden and they no longer [had the chance] of being permitted."
Jerusalem was chosen not only by Hashem, but also by the Nation of Israel (Ramban, Parashat Shoftim). This happened after David succeeded in uniting the nation, as found expression in the fact that there was only one army.
The choosing of Jerusalem had, among other things, a historical and a geographic rationale. Historically, although at the time of Yehoshua, the city was captured and burned (see Yehoshua 10:23-26; ibid. 12:10; Shoftim 1:7-8), it remained a non-Jewish city (see ibid. 1:21). No Israelite tribe settled there until the time of David, and, in fact, the halacha is: "Jerusalem was not divided up among the tribes" (Yoma 12a). This helped enable it to be the city of all and the city of peace between all parts of the nation.
Geographically, Jerusalem is situated on the border between the regions assigned to the tribes of Yehuda and Binyamin (see Yehoshua 15:5). The "watershed line" was the border; nowadays it goes down Yafo Street, from Davidka Square to the Central Bus Station and along Route 1 to the west. North of this line belongs to Binyamin; south of it belongs to Yehuda. Since Binyamin is a child of Rachel and Yehuda is the leader of Leah’s sons, this makes the city ideal for national unity.
We now can answer the question from our title. Choosing one place for worship of Hashem to the exclusion of others can cause religious concerns to take a step back. Considering the centrality of korbanot in those days, imagine closing all shuls in the world except the Kotel! Nevertheless, the added national unity took precedence over religiosity. "Built-up Jerusalem, as a city that was connected together" (Tehillim 122:3) – it connects all the parts of the nation, and it connects Jerusalem on Earth with Jerusalem on High. When unity wins, the service of Hashem is also elevated, strengthened, and receives greater significance and depth.
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 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
