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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Yaakov Ben Behora
The Rishonim asked two questions. First, how could Eliyahu give more to Elisha than he himself possessed? Second, what connection is there between Elisha viewing Eliyahu’s departure and fulfillment of his request?
The Ralbag answered the first question simply, saying that the request was to have twice as much of Eliyahu’s spirit as other students would have, not double Eliyahu’s powers. Seeing Eliyahu was just a sign of acceptance. He does not explain why it appears that Elisha did perform more miracles.
Yalkut Shimoni explains that when Eliyahu split the Jordan, it was done in the merit of both him and Elisha. When Elisha did so on the way back, it was for him alone. Thus, we can say that Elisha possessed his own merit plus that of Eliyahu, thus giving him double.
The Derashot Haran takes a different approach. As Eliyahu was being carried up to the Heaven, his spiritual level soared in an unprecedented manner. If Elisha could tap into his spirit at that time, he would receive more than Eliyahu had possessed previously. Thus, both questions are answered logically. Elisha did not get more than Eliyahu possessed at the time he gave it, and he needed to be connected at the correct moment to receive it.
Let us give an explanation in a totally different direction. The Radak’s father understood pi sh’nayim as two thirds, as the Torah uses the phrase regarding a first born receiving a double portion of inheritance in a case where there were two sons. Again, this assumes that Elisha did not think of asking for more than Eliyahu possessed. Very possibly Elisha feared that due to Eliyahu’s despondency regarding prospects for the future, no powers would be transferred to his disciples (see Melachim I, 19:10-14). Indeed, other students lost their ability to prophesy when Eliyahu disappeared, as we see in Yericho and Beit El. Elisha, who clung to Eliyahu until the end, received two thirds. How do we explain the apparent fact that Elisha performed more miracles?
We can answer based on the Ramban. That which appears as the world operating based on the rules of nature is really a series of hidden miracles. In some ways, open miracles are a sign of a lower spiritual level. Thus, the increase in open miracles at the time of Elisha is not an indication of a higher spiritual level than Eliyahu possessed.
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
