YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
There is a great schism in Israel, within the broader populace and even within the religious community. Some see a contradiction between full dedication to Halacha (as they see it) and being subject to governmental law. Others claim that it is impossible to be a citizen of a law-based state and not see himself as obligated to follow all the laws (even when many are not in line with Halacha). We will analyze that dispute based on the expression "the teru’ah of the king." What is a tru’ah, and to which king is Bilam referring? Tannaim (Rosh Hashana 32a) disagree on this matter. Rabbi Yossi says that this pasuk can be used on Rosh Hashana as one of the ten p’sukim that relate to shofar blowing. Rabbi Yehuda says the pasuk is not related to either the shofarot or malchiyot (Hashem’s dominion). What is behind this disagreement?
The Tzlach (Rosh Hashana 32b) posits that Rabbi Yossi understood tru’ah to refer to a pattern of shofar blasts. Rabbi Yehuda understands that teru’ah means friendship (between Hashem and Bnei Yisrael), and therefore it unrelated to the shofar.
The Tannaim also disagree who the king is. According to Rabbi Yossi, the king is Hashem, whereas Rabbi Yehuda says it refers to a human leader. Each approach has support elsewhere in Chazal. Unkelus translates the phrase as the "the Divine Presence of their King was among them," obviously referring to Hashem. In contrast, the midrash (Bamidbar Rabba 20:20) explains Bilam’s thought process as follows. You will not be able to harm Bnei Yisrael while Moshe is their leader, and even his successor will be difficult because he will blow the shofar to take down the walls of Jericho. Thus, the king is Moshe and later Yehoshua.
Another, fundamental disagreement is also related to these approaches. One approach is that Hashem leads the nation directly by means of His Presence dwelling among them. This leaves little room for a human king, and the shofar blasts in His honor, for there to be closeness (i.e., friendship) with Hashem. On the other hand, such a system comes with a price - there will be no army, police, social protections, or even a Beit Hamikdash (see progression in Birkat Hamazon’s second beracha). This is the way things were in the times of the Shoftim. Because the prophet Shmuel thought that this set up was ideal, he objected to the request for a king (see Shmuel I, 10:19), although it is not clear he was correct.
The second approach is that Bilam referred to a successful and prominent human monarchy, symbolized by trumpet blasts. It would have a standing army and effective governmental agencies, dedicated to defense, Torah-based justice, etc.
The Rambam rules that there is a mitzva to make a Jewish monarchy. He also rules like Rabbi Yossi regarding our pasuk. When we have the merit to unite behind a ruling government that provides governmental services and interacts properly with the Heavenly Kingdom, then even those who are skeptical about its place in our liberation will become full partners with it.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.