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Midrashim connect the motif of redness in regard to Eisav to other contexts in Tanach. One midrash (see Midrash Shocher Tov 52) connects Eisav, the spiller of blood, to Doeg the Edomite, who tried and almost succeeded in having David’s blood spilled.
If we look at Tanach, we will find that King David himself, the pleasant poet/singer of Israel and the architect of the Beit Hamikdash, was twice described in terms of redness. When Shmuel went to Yishai’s home to look for a future king to anoint and David was eventually presented to him, he is described as "admoni with pretty eyes and good to the sight" (Shmuel I, 16:12). The second time is when Goliat saw David and belittled him (as a warrior) for being young, admoni, and good looking (ibid. 17:42).
Despite this one striking similarity between Eisav and David, Chazal explain to us the great difference between them. When Shmuel saw that David was ruddy, he was afraid that he might be a spiller of blood like Eisav. Hashem pointed out to Shmuel that he had nice eyes, and then added that Eisav killed because he decided to kill, whereas David would kill when he was acting on the instructions of the Sanhedrin (Bereishit Rabba 63:8). The connection between David’s nice eyes and the instructions of Sanhedrin is based on the fact that they are called the "eyes of the congregation" (see Bamidbar 15:24).
Our mentor, Rav Shaul Yisraeli zt"l, who was one of the greatest experts on the halachot of a Jewish state, posited that decisions do not require Sanhedrin per se. Rather, whoever expresses the desire of the nation and received the nation’s authorization to run the affairs of state has the equivalent status. While an actual Sanhedrin is more ideal, representatives who are chosen by means of election are also valid, and their decisions are considered the "law of the land" (Amud Hayemini I:9:10).
Over the past year plus (in addition to many previous "rounds"), we have been fighting groups of blood-thirsty murderers, who are students of Eisav the Admoni, the grandfather of Amalek, with whom there is always a mitzva to fight until their destruction. The difference between Hamas fighters and the IDF is that the latter are the successors of David Hamelech, who was an admoni with pretty eyes, who act in the name of a law-abiding state and fight the wars of Hashem with clean and pure hands. They can be called holy, righteous, and brave in their lifetimes and if it is, Heaven forbid, so decreed, then in their deaths.
Igrot Hare’aya Excitement over a Friend’s New Newspaper – #319
Date and Place: 4 Menachem Av 5670 (1910), Rechovot
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)
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
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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
