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In this week's parshat B'shalach, we find Israel singing to Hashem for our victory over Pharoh & Egypt. We definitely must thank Trump for his aid, but we actually sing only to the genuine Master of the world.
We find that even after leaving Egypt, Israel is still in the "galut mentality", "kvetching" that they miss the provisions of their slave-masters (Shmot 16, 3). Despite their preparing weapons (13, 18), in actuality, they are not yet ready mentally, to fight (14, 14). But as is often the case, in the haftarah, we find a more advanced, mature stage of history, where Devorah haNeviah sings thanks to Hashem but also chants to the brave IDF soldiers who did come to "help" Him. Did I see that right?! Yes, sefer Shoftim, written in prophecy, sings prais to those soldiers of Israel "who came to help Hashem" (Shoftim 5, 23), and curses those who don't (ibid, 16-17, 23). After several generations of growing out of the galut mentality, Israel actively goes to war, fighting for ourselves, with the help of G-d, or more accurately, emulating G-d by helping Him Who wants to help us. This more mature level, finds the Father "grooming" His children into independence and free-will, teaching us to fend for ourselves, while continuing to "peek through the cracks" (Shir haShirim 2, 9), and intervening when necessary. Sometimes we, especially our politicians who have yet to receive proper Tanach education, still don't dare break out of the galut mentality, and often don't have the guts to even say, that what gentile leaders dare to even do.
Yet we yearn for the ideal world that "בני ישראל יוצאים ביד רמה", when Israel will be redeemed "triumphantly (literally: with our arm raised)" (14, 8), which the Ramban explains: holding up the ISRAELI FLAG with national honor and self-respect. Rav YM Charlap, one of Rav Kook's closest students, explains (MiMaynei HaYeshua pp. 29-30, 203) that it's a matter of principle that the nations of the world should first help Israel during the process of redemption (as did Balfour, the San Remo conference (1920/תר"פ), the UN, and today Donald Trump), for the redemption is for all of them, as well. But we shouldn't be surprised if for every Trump there may yet be another Kamala Harris waiting to turn their back on us (as the British and UN eventually did), so that we don't forget who are the two MAIN DOERS & BENEFICIARIES of redemption, "Israel shall be saved IN the Lord" (Y'shayahu 45, 17, see Tanchuma Acharei Mot 12, on this week's parsha: ויושע ה'"", G-d as if it were, is saved with Israel"). We're not there yet, and accordingly must sincerely thank Trump for his help, but historical singing is reserved for the G-d of Israel, and His nation (e.g. Israel's pager attack).
The Or HaChaim haKadosh points out that manna was served by our Father as a mother nurses and spoils her child, but we were only meant to eat "manna for 40 years, until we arrive at our Land and settle her" (16, 35). At that point we will replace the 'spiritual vitamins' of manna with her spiritual equivalent= the holy fruits of Israel (which we now enjoy all year round, not just on Tu b'Shvat!), which we ourselves maturely grow as partners with Hashem, and for which we SING His praise and thanks for the Land (which WE work) and her fruit (Birkat Al HaMichya). [For you, or your children who have yet to learn that important bracha (many hold: m'd'Oraita!) by heart, you can Google my YouTube karaoke: (tune Ari Shvat Al HaMichya), and within 6 hearings you should know it forever!].
Shabbat Shalom, & Tu B'Shvat Same'ach!
Rav Ari Shvat (Chwat)
Rabbi Ari Shvat
Lectures at various yeshivot, michlalot and midrashot. Has published many books & Torani articles and is in charge of Rav Kook’s archives.
Ein Aya Why Judaism Respects the Corpse and the Dead- Eternity, Not Superstition
Ein Aya Shabat Chapter B Paragraph 52
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(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)
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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
