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Beit Midrash
- Shabbat and Holidays
- The High Holidays
- The Fast of Gedaliah
The murder of Gedaliah ben Achikam finalized the destruction of the First Temple. After the burning of the Temple, a depleted remnant of the Jewish population remained in the Land of Israel; the punishment that followed the murder uprooted the last Jews from the Land of Israel and made the exile final. A closer look reveals that it was precisely this tragic event that caused growth. Until then, the Jews toyed with the fact that the destruction was not final and, in any case, did not gather the strength for a renewed return. It was precisely the recognition that the First Temple era was over that enabled Zerubabel and his people several generations later to immigrate to the Land of Israel and start to establish the Second Temple era.
The recognition that must be internalized after Rosh Hashanah 5784 is that the era of 5783 (2022-2023) is over. That is sad because there were good things in our lives in the previous year, and therefore we fast; and it is precisely from this that we grow. We are facing the year 5784. The year 5783 will not return and it is a good thing that we will fast during the Fast of Gedaliah ben Achikam, and we will know that "Gedal-Ya" – God is raising us and "Achi-Kam" – He gives our brothers and us the strength to rise for the year 5784.
Have a good week!
Have an effective fast and Shana Tova!
Rabbi Haggai Lundin
Articles about Hanukkah The Triumph of Israeli Renewal over Greek Stagnation
From "Megged Yerachim" published by "Beit Harav"
Peninei Halakha 5. Tzom Gedalia
Chapter 6: The Four Fasts Commemorating the Destruction of the Temple
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
