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Historically, Am Yisrael have tried to build beautiful "mini-Temples" – shuls, which have served our nation, especially after the destructions of the first and second Batei Mikdash. They based this practice on the pasuk "Zeh Keili v’anveihu" (this is my G-d, and I shall adorn Him) (Shemot 15:2). Chazal learned from here that "A person is required to have pleasing tzitzit, a pleasing mezuza …, to write a pleasing sefer Torah … make pleasing mitzvot before Him, as Rabbi Yishmael said" (Sofrim 3:17). Yet, we find an alternative derivation – "Abba Shaul said: Resemble Him – just as He is compassionate and merciful, so should you be compassionate and merciful" (ibid.). What is behind these varied opinions?
Rabbi Yishmael saw the precious materials as an obligation and a fulfillment to adorn mitzvot. In contrast, Abba Shaul saw the spiritual "adornment," by perfecting one’s personal characteristics (being compassionate …) and clinging to the spiritual elements of service of Hashem, as a Jew’s primary mission in life.
"There is gold and a multitude of pearls, but the lips of knowledge are the precious vessel" (Mishlei 20:15). A midrash applies the pasuk to Moshe’s sadness that he had not contributed to the project of the Mishkan ("there is gold") and Hashem’s reassurance that the wisdom Moshe spoke to the people ("lips of knowledge") were more precious (Vayikra Rabba, Vayikra 1:6). Moshe brought the nation the ultimate wisdom, the Ten Commandments and the rest of the Torah, which taught all the principles of law and justice. This is much more precious than the gold and precious stones others gave. This is in line with Abba Shaul’s stress of the spiritual elements of adorning our relationship with Hashem.
The continuation of the midrash provides us with a memorable saying: "If you have acquired wisdom (da’at), what are you missing? If you are missing wisdom, what have you acquired?" Da’at is the most valuable commodity, and one should dedicate his whole life to acquiring it. What exactly is da’at? In looking for the meaning of a word in Tanach, we should look at the first place its root appears. Regarding the root da’oh, it is Adam "knowing his wife Chava" (Bereishit 4:1).
A man and woman who establish a home together have the potential to turn it into a dwelling place for the Divine Presence (see Sota 17a). Their physical connection must be an expression of a deep, lofty, spiritual connection. Similarly, while Bnei Yisrael were commanded to build a physical Mishkan, the Torah promises that it would lead to, "I will dwell among them" (Shemot 25:8), i.e., in the Mishkan and within every family. This gives context to Shir Hashirim, which compares the connection between Hashem and Bnei Yisrael to romantic feelings between a man and woman. Just like the physical contributions to the Mishkan did not suffice, neither do the physical elements in the building of a family.
Our emphasis on building and preserving strong connections between spouses and within the nation are preconditions to defeating our enemies and reestablishing a Beit Hamikdash in our times.
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)
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
