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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Hana Bat Haim
In the aftermath of his sin, Kayin "came out from before Hashem" (Bereishit 4:16). The midrash (Rabba 22:13) gives three possibilities as to in what way he came out. The first two describe different types of deception which Kayin tried to use with Hashem. However, the third idea is that he came out from a discussion with his father, Adam, about the latter’s successful experience with teshuva for his sin of the Tree of Knowledge.
The different approaches to the question whether Kayin did or did not deal with his sin properly stem from the understanding of Kayin’s response after Hashem’s question, "Where is your brother, Hevel?" Regarding the pasuk, "My sin is too great to be beared," Rashi explains it as a cynical rhetorical question to Hashem, questioning why Hashem could not deal with his sin as He deals with a complex world. However, Ibn Ezra and the Ramban view the statement as the first sincere step toward Kayin’s teshuva, that of admitting guilt.
Kayin’s experience teaches us that it is insufficient to admit the correctness of the facts of the sin. One can still make a variety of excuses to try to mitigate the severity of his actions. One can claim that someone else was really responsible even if he physically performed the sin. Or one can claim that what was done cannot be fixed so why should he try. Finally, one can even put the burden of securing repentance on Hashem as opposed to oneself. The common denominator is the refusal to take responsibility.
It is no coincidence that these important lessons about teshuva are found in the parasha that deals with Hashem’s creation of the world. Hashem created a world which needs to be perfected by human activity. By concentrating on fixing matters, man can become a partner in creation, using the powers of teshuva that predated the world. He can help make the world a complete one that serves its Creator.
Let us hope that in our daily, private and public lives, those who make decisions will realize their responsibility for that which was done and not done. Let them be more concerned that no evil result from their actions and less concerned whether they will be able to escape consequences if and when problems arise.
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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
