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Chumash. It is Moshe’s final sermon to his
nation, just weeks before he will die on his
120th birthday. This Sedra is always read on the
Shabbat before Tisha B’Av (or on 9 Av itself). Why?
I suggest that the Torah - & Moshe Rabbeinu - are
again emphasizing that there are always second
chances in life, always opportunities to start
over again. A new Sefer, a new chapter, a renewed commitment to Jewish ideals.
When we fast, we manifest this idea
physiologically. We clean out our system by
letting our body go fallow for the day; no food
or drink allowed in. When the Fast ends, we start
over, our bodies now having been purged & purified.
The fasts of Tisha B’Av & Yom Kippur are
strategically linked to one another: They are
held relatively close to each other with only the
month of Elul dividing them; & they are the only
25-hour fasts in our calendar. They also share
the same goal & purpose; but they arrive at their
destination in two very different kinds of vehicles.
Tisha B’Av represents approaching Hashem via
Yirah; fear, awe & trepidation. As we confront &
contemplate the calamities that have befallen us
through our history, from Churban to Inquisition
to Shoa (to October 7!), we come to the
realization that without G-d’s protective shield,
we are subject to any & all misfortune at the
hands of evil nations. And so we seek shelter in His Divine presence.
Yom Kippur also is an opportunity to draw closer
to the Almighty. But its approach is one
of Ahava; wanting to shed the sins which scar
our souls, seeking G-d where He may be found.
Appreciating all He gives us, we immerse
ourselves in prayer & petition all day long,
wearing white to symbolize the pure neshama we seek.
Tisha B’Av comes before Elul. Yom Ha-Din
approaches, & we are scared, for our fate & our
very lives hang in the balance. Fear is the most
basic, primal motivator of Man & is a necessary
first step. But then comes Elul & Yom Kippur.
We’re ready now to go forward & elevate ourselves
in spiritual growth. Fear gives way to love;
Black turns into White, & Hashem is ready to receive us.
Redemption - please G-d - let it come "Fast."
****************************************************************
I want to dedicate this Dvar Torah to Donny Kates
z"l, whose 3rd Yahrtzeit is Tisha B’Av. The Man,
the Mentsch, the Madrich par excellence, Donny
taught us to love Eretz Yisrael & Medinat
Yisrael, and in the process, we learned to love
him. Donny, we miss you - may you enjoy your eternal reward in Olam Haba.
Rabbi Stewart Weiss
Was ordained at the Hebrew Theological College in Skokie, Illinois, and led congregations in Chicago and Dallas prior to making Aliyah in 1992. He directs the Jewish Outreach Center in Ra'anana, helping to facilitate the spiritual absorption of new olim.
Jewish Laws and Thoughts Shul “etiquette:” can we honor Hashem while respecting our fellow congregants?
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)
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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
