YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Family and Society
- Current Events
- Understanding Circumstances
Yaakov and Yisrael are the two names of our beloved nation, stemming from the Patriarch Jacob. They symbolize two different aspects: The first one, Yaakov, is based on the word akev, meaning "heel" – for Yaakov held on to his older twin brother's heel as they were born. The heel, of course, is the lowest part of the body. The second one is Yisrael, which is an acronym of Rosh Li ("my head") – referring to the highest and most important part of the body. As the Sages teach: "There is no reshit [beginning point, from the root meaning "head"] other than Israel."
When did Yaakov receive the name Yisrael? It happened after the nocturnal fight between Yaakov and the minister-angel of Esav, when the latter told Yaakov: "Your name will no longer be said to be Yaakov, but rather Yisrael – for you have become great before G-d and man and you have won" [based on Targum Onkelos] (B'reshit 32,29). Rashi explains that the men Yaakov struggled with were Esav and Lavan, and they were unable to defeat him. Thus, the aspect of "Yisrael" is manifest when Israel defeats its enemies.
G-d, too, agrees to this change, telling him, "Your name will be not only Yaakov, but Yisrael will also be your name" (35,9) [as evidenced by the use of both names in the subsequent verses]. Rashi explains there that the name Yisrael, from the root sar, thus indicates princeliness.
-- The Relevance for Today --
The nation of Israel has been struggling with others, as Yaakov did with Esav and Lavan, for thousands of years. Throughout this time, Israel always held on tenaciously and its enemies could not defeat it. However, when we were in Exile, we were a form of Yaakov – not Yisrael – and we were at our lowest points, the place of the heel.
But finally, with thanks to G-d, we have in these latest generations been privileged and merited to see very close up the revitalization of Israel. We are ascending from the "heel" to the "head," and it is therefore no coincidence that we are called the State of Israel. The words of the Torah are coming true: "You will not be called Yaakov but Israel" – and as our Sages explain: "Not that the name Yaakov will be totally uprooted, but Israel will be the main name, and Yaakov is secondary to it" (B'rachot 12b).
And the higher we ascend along our path to full national Redemption, the more we will recognize our special Israelite identity as a "treasured people, holy nation, and kingdom of priests" (Sh'mot 19,6). Similarly, we will also more clearly understand our national destiny, wherein the Nation of Israel will install G-d as the true King of the world, illuminating and benefiting all of mankind.
With anticipation of a great victory and the complete salvation, Amen!
Translated by Hillel Fendel
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
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
