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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Shmot
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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Refael ben Chana
Rashi cites two benefits of the darkness. One is that it allowed Bnei Yisrael to bury the wicked among them whom Hashem killed during this time. The other was that it enabled them to search through the Egyptian’s homes to see what they could later ask of them to take on their way out of Egypt. The Gur Aryeh explains that the two periods with different levels of darkness served different purposes. During the first days, the Egyptians were unable to see what was happening to the wicked in Israel. However, they could move and could protect their homes from Jewish trespassing. During the next three days of paralysis, Bnei Yisrael were free to even enter their homes. The two purposes also allow for different explanations of moshvotam. Regarding burying their dead, it was sufficient for Bnei Yisrael to function freely in Jewish quarters. Regarding entering Egyptian homes, they had to be able to have light in the same places that the Egyptians experienced darkness.
Who were these wicked people whom Hashem killed? How much more wicked could they have been than other Jews, in light of Chazal ¬statement that the nation as a whole was on the spiritual level of -49 out of a possible -50? Taking a closer look at Rashi, we notice that he doesn’t just say that they were wicked, but that they did not want to leave Egypt. Ohr Yechezkel (p. 228) explains that it was necessary to have a desire to be liberated and become something more than they were in order to merit redemption. Most Jews had that desire, despite individual spiritual shortcomings. Chazal tell us that Bnei Yisrael were redeemed in the merit of not changing their names, language, and clothes. In other words, from a national perspective, they felt a proud part of their oppressed nation ,
How harmful must they have been to prompt the Netziv to say that the "light for all of Bnei Yisrael" relates to the demise of the wicked Jews? Also, if a significant number of Jews died during this period, how can the Torah say there was light for all of Bnei Yisrael? Shemot Rabba (14:3) tells us that the wicked people were actually collaborators with the Egyptians who had become rich through their connections and actions. They, who had separated themselves from the nation, were not part of all of Bnei Yisrael, and Bnei Yisrael enjoyed light when they died.
This lesson reinforces that which Rav Kook taught us through his writings and his life. Even one who keeps very little religiously maintains a connection to Bnei Yisrael’s legacy if he sees himself as a part of the nation that awaits national redemption.
Various Rabbis
Various Rabbis including those of of Yeshivat Bet El, such as Rabbi Chaim Katz, Rabbi Binyamin Bamberger and Rabbi Yitzchak Greenblat and others.
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: A Crown and its Scepter – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 294-5
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)
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
