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Beit Midrash
- Shabbat and Holidays
- Jewish Holidays
- Sukkot
- Shabbat and Holidays
- Jewish Holidays
- Hanukkah
The Torah highlights the element of simcha on Sukkot (Devarim 16:14). The main basis for simcha relates to the physical bounty of the agricultural year in Israel, which finishes on Sukkot. The joy cannot be complete without sharing the bounty with the needy in society. To ensure this, the Torah commands the farmer to follow the laws of ma’asrot (tithes). These benefit: 1) The kohen and levi, who invest their time in the nation’s spiritual needs and are excluded from the "competition" for economic success; 2) The poor, who fare poorly in their economic efforts. 3) The disadvantaged (the foreigner, the widow, and the orphan). After each small cycle of ma’asrot (3 years) the laws known as biur ma’asrot are employed to check if the giver administered his donations properly.
When is this check carried out? The Yerushalmi had a thought that it might be appropriate on Chanukah. Although the idea is rejected, the possibility alone seems strange considering that Chanukah is rabbinic and the laws of viduy ma’aser are from the Torah. Apparently, in addition to the holiday as we know it, Chanukah marks the completion of the final stages of harvesting. Therefore, there is an element of thanking Hashem for physical success on Chanukah as well.
Sukkot is also a time for spiritual simcha, at the close of the period of repentance. This simcha finds expression in the simchat beit hasho’eva celebration in the Beit Hamikdash. As part of the celebration, jugs of olive oil were brought, which flooded the Temple and Jerusalem as a whole with light (mishna, Sukka 5: 2-3), along with dancing with torches. Additionally, the festivities’ quality had a spiritual element powerful enough to bring prophecy to those who had not previously experienced it (Yerushalmi 5:1).
The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 670:2) says that festive meals on Chanukah are elective. The Rama adds that some say that there is an element of mitzvah to such meals because of the consecration of the altar. The Mishna Berura (ad loc.:6) explains the difference between Chanukah and Purim in this regard. Chanukah celebrates salvation from spiritual danger and, therefore, we celebrate spiritually by lighting candles. Purim celebrates salvation from death and, therefore, includes festive meals.
After seeing the two elements of Sukkot and the connection between Sukkot and Chanukah, we can make the following claim. While lighting spiritual lights, we use olive oil also in order to incorporate an element of thanks for their harvest as well, which, in the Hasmonaean times, became possible because of victory in battle. The lighting itself represents the victory over the darkness of Greek idolatry. In our times, we have merited to celebrate and thank Hashem for both spiritual and nationalistic Divine gifts.
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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
