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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
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Before we explain the bolded part of the beracha, we point out that Megillat Rut explains why Yaakov’s beracha to Yehuda of a dynasty from Peretz’s offspring, was delayed until the time of David. For the centuries until that time, most of the leaders came from Rachel and her children (her sons were Yosef (=Ephrayim and Menashe) and Binyamin; and Dan and Nafatli came from her maidservant). Yehoshua came from Ephrayim, Gidon from Binyamin. Yiftach from Menashe, Shimshon from Dan, and King Shaul from Binyamin. Megillat Rut confirms that the promise would soon be actualized.
The people of Beit Lechem stressed two things: A. Unity between the Sons of Rachel and the Sons of Leah is a condition for Bnei Yisrael’s success. B. We will not give up on the promise of a king from Peretz.
When David, a descendent of Leah, was first anointed by Shmuel to succeed Shaul, a descendant of Rachel, he understood that success depended on partnership between the families. For this reason, David made a pact with Shaul’s son Yonatan, by which the latter would be his second in command (Shmuel I, 23:17-18). Unfortunately, this arrangement never came to be because Yonatan was killed (we need another discussion for why Yonatan’s children did not take his place in that regard).
An example of a successful partnership is the pair of King Uziya, from Yehuda, and King Yerovam II from Menashe. Chazal described the relationship as "Uziya and Yerovam were kings as one" (Seder Olam Rabba 19). The navi tells of their great success – each was very successful in conquest and in protecting his kingdom from attack (Melachim II, 14:25; Divrei Hayamim II, 26:6-15).
Yechezkel prophesies about the unity between the sections of Bnei Yisrael, describing how the "tree of Yosef" and the "tree of Yehuda" will become one in the hands of the prophet. This, says the navi, represents that, in the future, they will again fully be one nation with one king for them (Yechezkel 37:19-22).
Why, then, was Shlomo not successful in keeping Bnei Yisrael under one kingdom, as soon after his death, Yerovam started a new kingdom rivaling that of Shlomo’s son Yerovam? The answer may be hinted at in our parasha. When Yosef impressed Paroh, prompting Paroh to appoint him as viceroy, Paroh said of Yosef: "There is none as clever and wise as you" (Bereishit 41:39). The same exact words are used to describe wisdom that Hashem promised Shlomo, except that for Shlomo he is described as the wisest who ever lived (Melachim I, 3:12). Therefore, Shlomo apparently thought that he did not need the help of a partnership with the descendants of Rachel, in this case, Yerovam. (Admittedly, the midrash blames Yerovam for refusing to be a second to Shlomo.)
The necessary lesson is to strive for unity and through it be successful. May we merit to see the building of the House of Israel as Rachel and Leah did.
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
