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Beit Midrash
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The preparations for the second episode in Beit El took place after the story of Yaakov and his sons in Shechem. Yaakov commanded the people of his encampment to remove the idols they had picked up in the area before they could go to Beit El (Bereishit 35:2). Connecting this removal of idol worship to dealing with brit mila in Shechem, we see a conversion process. This provides a source within the text, for the midrash that Yaakov was heavily involved in the realm of conversions.
In fact the pasuk refers to the audience of Yaakov’s address as "the people who were with him." These were apparently people from around Shechem who joined Yaakov’s faith community. This required a full conversion process, which includes accepting Hashem’ dominion and adherence to His mitzvot. The p’sukim hint how this was done. Yaakov took the idols he collected and buried them under a tree near Shechem (ibid. 4). Hundreds of years later, Yehoshua exhorted the people to get rid of idols under the tree in the Temple of Hashem and prepare themselves to serve Hashem (Yehoshua 24:23-26). They accepted the challenge, saying: "We will serve Hashem and listen to His voice." This language echoes that which was used at Sinai, when the whole nation accepted the mitzvot in a "national conversion."
The episode in Yehoshua occurred when Bnei Yisrael had just entered the Land, and because of that region’s historical affiliation with Jewish beliefs, there were no battles in the area of Shechem. This enabled Yehoshua to immediately after crossing the Jordan, erect an altar on Mt. Eival to renew the covenant, as Moshe was commanded (Devarim 27:1-26).
Therefore, we can say that Yaakov and family started national life for the future great nation. Not only did he lead his sons, but also those who decided to join him. It was as a leader on that basis that he returned to Beit El.
His test was in Shechem. At first, he bought a plot of land (Bereishit 33:19), as Avraham had. This let it be known that he respected individuals’ ownership in the Land that nationally had been promised to him and his offspring, as long as the locals recognized that the Land was reserved for Yaakov, as a Israelite and democratic entity in which they could stay and prosper. Yaakov began with negotiations with the people of Shechem. The prince by the name of Shechem rejected this, which he showed by forcefully taking Yaakov’s daughter, thereby showing "his dominance." Those who joined with Yaakov showed that they accepted the preeminence of Yaakov’s nation in the making.
In step with this emergence, Hashem changed Yaakov’s name to Yisrael, with the promise that a nation with kings will come from him (see Bereishit 35:10-12). The pursued Yaakov turned into the victorious Yisrael. Judaism is not based on a path in life for individuals but for the special nation that serves as a light for the nations.
The State of Israel is tasked with continuing this legacy, including as a united nation destroying its cruel enemies. While, like Yaakov, we extend our hand in peace, when it is not accepted, we know how to fight when we are forced to do so.
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)
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)
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.
