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The gemara (Rosh Hashana 16a) states: "Blow the shofar before Me so that I will remember the binding of Yitzchak, the son of Avraham, and I will consider it for you as if you bound yourselves."
Why does Hashem, who does not forget things, need a reminder? Also, couldn’t we mention the bindings (i.e., those who have been killed for being Jews) from those times until and including these days, in which case we could tell of those who were not only willing to give their lives (like Yitzchak), but actually did give their lives? Jewish blood is treated as worthless – no one cares what happens to us. The entire nation lies "bound to the altar." In fact, we are not just being bound but being killed in practice. Hashem swore in His own Name "if it is not with a strong hand, an outstretched arm, and a flowing rage that I will rule over you" (Yechezkel 20:33).
However, it is not Hashem’s will [to act so harshly], rather just that we should be prepared to "bind ourselves." That is Hashem’s intention. He wants that our love of Hashem that is burning within us should be such that we disregard and belittle the world’s apparatuses to take Jewish lives.
On this day of Rosh Hashana, we should blow the shofar, to remind us about the binding of Yitzchak. This was a binding that came willfully, where the participants gave up their own being, on behalf of the effort to sanctify Hashem’s Name. It is that we need to remember. From Hashem’s perspective, he suffices with considering it as if we "bound ourselves." In other words, all the many victims should be considered as if the victims gave their lives of their own will. If so, the merit would definitely increase, the power of the Satan would automatically wane, and the kingdom of evil would pass like smoke from the land.
We should view ourselves as being found in the same hell that our brothers in the field of battle are, in the camps of detention, captivity, and suffering, as well as in the hospitals (ed. note – the world did not yet know about extermination camps). Let us join in, out of will, in the same feeling of anguish and excruciating pain, which is abnormal for human beings, as our brethren who are sanctifying Hashem’s Name. Let us consider the horrible feeling of the skies closing their gateways, as the pasuk says: "You covered Yourself with a cloud so that the prayers will not reach You" (Eicha 3:44). Let us force open the heavens with the strength of dedication and willingness to give.
We are indeed representatives. We are representatives of the community of the Nation of Israel, including those who are homeless, those who are forced to hear the blasts of war, whether those who are fighting in battles or those who are rotting away in jails. We must bring this great pain and sighing into the sound of the shofar blasts.
Chazal teach us: "A year that is poor in its beginning brings riches in its end" (Rosh Hashana 16b, based on the spelling of Devarim 11:12). May this year see the end of our troubles and the beginning of our liberation!
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)
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)
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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
