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Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Vayikra
- Vayikra
The gemara (Yoma 4b) posits that the kri’ah preceding Hashem’s speaking is the Torah’s way of teaching us good manners – a person should not speak to his friend before calling out to him. It is interesting that this lesson about relationships between man and man comes in the opening specifically of a book that deals primarily with mitzvot between man and Hashem. We are to remember that even if one has an important piece of information to relay, he should do it in a manner that shows respect and grace. Not only is content important; so is the way it is conveyed.
Rashi (to our pasuk) also relates a compliment to Moshe. Hashem related to Moshe as to one of the angels in His "entourage." We also see the element of courtesy appreciated by people: "[He used] a language of affection, language that Heavenly angels use, as it says ‘… they called one to the other’ (Yeshayahu 6:3)." This quote appears in the ma’aseh hamerkava, one of the most sublime prophetic visions. We should learn that all the more so, a person who wants to impact on others should go about it by speaking to him in the proper manner.
Rabbeinu Asher, the famous halachist known as the Rosh, taught us a related lesson from our opening pasuk. The last letter of "Vayikra" is an abnormally small aleph, because Moshe would make himself small. Indeed, the Torah refers to Moshe as the humblest person on the face of the earth (Bamidbar 12:3). Moshe’s unique trait, which distinguished him even from Aharon and Miriam, was his humility. Indeed, anyone who wants to excel in the Torah of Moshe should be armed with a nice level of this characteristic.
The Zohar (Vayeilech 285a) connects between our pasuk and "When I call out in Hashem’s Name, ascribe greatness to our G-d" (Devarim 32:3). This connection hints at the following idea. Our pasuk, the "gateway" to the Torah of sacrifices, is closely connected to the general value of learning Torah (the pasuk in Devarim is the source of the mitzva to make a beracha before learning Torah). When we cannot bring korbanot, the study of Torah, which Moshe enabled, remains open. Again, in order to succeed in Torah, we need humility and the ability to relate nicely to our counterparts. Joining and helping society at large also requires us to embrace "Its ways are the ways of pleasantness" (Mishlei 3:17).
Hashem calls to us by means of Moshe and his Torah, and we call out to Hashem by learning that same Torah. May we soon merit to have the Beit Hamikdash in our midst, where the Divine Presence will dwell and Torah will emerge.
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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
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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
