YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
If we removed 5% of extremists from each side, the remaining 95% could reach agreements through mutual respect, on 98% of the burning questions, and agree to disagree on the other 2%. I call out from the heart in a clear yet trembling voice – Enough, before it is too late. Change the mode of discourse to positive and polite. If the flames will grow, our enemies will dance around the campfires.
Tribal unity is connected to our parshiyot through a frequently mentioned place – Gilad. Gilad is east of the Jordan, and it is the first region whose inhabitants were exiled. Eliyahu Hagiladi, who came from there, was described as a kana’i (zealot) – see Melachim I, 19:10-14. Some opinions in Chazal posit he was Pinchas, who was known for his zealotry (see Bamidbar 25:11-13).
Our parasha also discusses the six cities of refuge for unintentional murderers, half of which were east of the Jordan. The prophet Hoshea (6:8-9) criticizes the people of Gilad for their being violent, and the gemara tells us that there were more than expected arei miklat east of the Jordan because Gilad had a lot of murderers in it (Makkot 9b).
Yet, Gilad was a wonderful meeting place for people from different tribes, stemming from Leah, Rachel, and the maidservants. Our parasha tells that the half-tribe of Menashe (from Yosef/Rachel) received the land. But in Shoftim (12:4), we find groups from Ephrayim, Menashe’s brother, whom Yaakov preferred (Bereishit 48:14-20). Moshe also chose his confidante/ successor from the Tribe of Ephrayim. The Tribe of Yehuda had strong ties there. Chetzron, Peretz’s firstborn, and the antecedent of King David, married the daughter of Machir (son of Menashe), sister of Gilad, and their children settled in Gilad and built important cities there (see Divrei Hayamim I, 2:21-22). Machir also had in-laws from Binyamin (ibid. I, 7:15). Thus, this area united important tribes and personalities, which impacted the whole nation’s unity.
Yerushalayim was the one place in Eretz Yisrael that was not divided up among the tribes, remaining the property of the whole nation (see Tehillim 122:3; Midrash Aggada 49:27). This makes Yerushalayim a symbol of unity.
Let us return to our times. Everyone should respect the elected government seated in Yerushalayim. The government must internalize that they are bound to respect all parts of the nation. Any change that is attempted, even if for good reasons, must be done through discussion and some level of consensus, as most citizens want. Only by acting this way will we merit that Eliyahu Hanavi will change from a zealot to a consensus maker, and usher in the Days of Mashiach (see Malachi 3:23-24).
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)
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
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)
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.
