YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Shmot
- Yitro
Netivot Shalom asks why the matter of fear is stressed at this momentous time, considering that love of Hashem is a higher level. The same question arises in regard to the commandment not to forget the revelation at Sinai ... "that you shall learn to fear Me" (Devarim 4:10).
The Netivot Shalom answers that although love of Hashem represents the higher level, the first stage in man’s relationship with Hashem is through fear. (Of course, fear is not limited to fear of punishment but very much includes awe.) As the famous pasuk says, "the beginning of wisdom is fear of Hashem" (Tehillim 111:10). This idea is often lost on people in an era of freedoms, but some relationships need a basis of deep respect to the point of fear or awe to thrive. There is no more loving relationship than the one between parents and children. Yet, when the navi told the story of the mini-revolt of David’s son, Adoniyahu, he introduced it with the following veiled criticism of David. "He [David] had never saddened him [Adoniyahu] by saying, ‘Why did you do such?’" (Melachim I, 1:7). Only after the relationship is set so that the participants’ relative positions are clear can one focus on building closeness and love without abuses.
Let us return to the first reason for the awesome revelation (l’nasot). Rashi relates it to a nes, meaning a banner. In this case, Hashem used it to display Bnei Yisrael’s greatness, by honoring them to see His Presence. The Rambam says that it is related to nisayon in the manner of a test. Now that Bnei Yisrael were fortified with an experience that entrenched awe of Hashem within the national psyche, they were ready to be tested in various ways. The Ramban also focuses on the term nisayon but takes it in a different direction- having experience (as in Modern Hebrew). The Ramban explains that because of the exposure to Hashem, the nation would be used to the spiritual heights that would be the foundation of a life of sanctity.
Bnei Yisrael did not stay at Sinai but had to move on to new challenges. However, nationally, they received there the "shot in the arm" to keep them honest in their belief and their resolve to maintain their spirituality. It is, likewise, important for the individual to have times and experiences that help form a healthy approach to avodat Hashem. May these formative events always be positive ones, as our forefathers experienced at Sinai, and not require harsh lessons, such as those gained during the preceding slavery.
Igrot Hare’aya Refuting Criticism by the Ridbaz – #311 – part IV
Date and Place: 19 Sivan 5670 (1910), Yafo
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
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)
