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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Vayikra
- Behar
Let us now take a look at the song’s verses. The first verse starts: "Preserve (shamor) and remember (zachor) with one speaking did the unique (meyuchad) G-d have us hear." The "outer" meaning is focused only on Shabbat, as zachor and shamor were said in reference to Shabbat at the giving of the Torah (in Yitro and Vaetchanan, respectively). However, the word meyuchad is a classic word in the jargon of the Kabbalists (including Rav Elkabetz), which makes us believe that they are really hinting at the nimshal, which is the coming of Mashiach.
The second verse, again explicitly speaking about Shabbat, concludes "the end of the action was planned from the beginning." The idea, taken from the Zohar, comes from the context of the liberation being in place from before the world was created.
Let us go now to the third verse (bayit, in Hebrew), which has a double meaning, as this time it refers explicitly to the Third Bayit (Holy Temple of the time of Mashiach) and the "city of the kingdom." The kingdom is both of the kings of Yehuda and Yisrael but also that of Hashem. The verse continues that "you have been too long in the valley of crying." This is a reference to the recent historical hardship of the expulsion from the Iberian Peninsula. The kabbalists of Safed saw this catastrophe as the heel and the pains of the coming of Mashiach.
The fourth verse talks about King Mashiach, who will raise up the people from the dirt. However, this is also done in the form of a hint, as he is referred to as "the son of Yishai (Jesse) from Beit Lechem." This is the place that the prophet Shmuel was sent to switch the anointed one from the children of Rachel (Shaul) to the son of a Judean family.
The fifth verse calls on the nation to awaken because our light has come, and we are to shine and sing. In other words, the poet is urging the people to realize that the time has come for practical human actions to hasten the liberation. People in Safed indeed started to try by renewing authentic rabbinical ordination and then trying to assemble a Sanhedrin, which is the ultimate form of the judicial system, whose existence and excellence is a condition for a full liberation. The coming of light, which is mentioned, hints at return of the special light of the days of Creation, which will occur at the End of Days (see Yeshayahu 30:26).
We will continue next week with practical conclusions. In the meantime, let us remind all that showing respect to others hastens the unity not only within the nation but between the Jewish People and Hashem.
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
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)
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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)
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)
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
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
