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- Sukkot
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Rav Dessler (Michtav Me’Eliyahu, vol. II) claims that the theme of Sukkot is nullifying the significance of the physical world in one’s eyes. In davening, we refer to being enveloped by a sukka of peace, which he describes as the realization that the pursuit of pleasures and security of the material world is futile. One must realize that Hashem alone provides our needs. He explains in that light also that the fact that Divine clouds, which some say were the historical sukkot, were given to Bnei Yisrael in Aharon’s merit. Aharon’s attribute was that of a peace-maker. True peace requires negating the pursuit of materialism. If one stresses worldly pleasures, he will view others as competitors for its treasures. Only if one strives for true spirituality (not pursuit of honor within the world of the spiritual) will he view others’ success as beneficial to him.
Let us not make a mistake. Sukkot is not a time of asceticism. All of the three festivals have an agricultural element to them, and Sukkot is the most joyous, as the festival of harvest (chag ha’asif). In fact, in our simple dwelling, we are supposed to arrange the finest décor we can. We are not to deny the value of the bounty but to put it into perspective. Possessions are important tools, not permanent attainments. A related message is that you beautify a structure by what you put into it, not by the structure itself.
That perhaps is the message of the dearth of the Torah’s historical account. We do not stress what happened. We stress how the message of what happened then helps us to deal with our present situation. We realize that Hashem sustained Bnei Yisrael when we needed protection. So too, we forego our normal form of protection and look for one "closer to Hashem." How this message applies to the individual depends more on the particulars of his life than to the historical occurrence.
Many of us, especially in Israel, have felt insecurity from this summer’s experiences. We have learned in an all too sobering fashion that what one could view as a permanent house can suddenly turn into little more than a sukka. Let us be encouraged, not depressed by Sukkot’s message, that even in a temporary dwelling, Divine protection continues to exist, for each generation and person with its or his one modalities.
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)
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Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
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(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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(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
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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
