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Before the giving of the Torah, we were also told about the importance of being holy, as we were urged to become a "mamlechet kohanim v’goy kadosh (a kingdom of kohanim and a holy nation)" (Shemot 19:6). Is there a connection between the two exhortations to be kadosh?
Rashi explains that a kingdom of "kohanim" refers to officers, but he does not explain what a kadosh nation means. The Ramban says that the former refers to servants/helpers of Hashem, and a holy nation means to cling to Him, invoking our pasuk of kedoshim teh’yu as corroboration.
The Rambam’s son, R. Avraham, surprises with a different direction. He speaks of kedusha on an individual basis and on a collective basis. To understand this, let us take a look at the context (Shemot 19:1-10) of this idea that the whole nation is to be made up of kohanim and holy people. The Torah describes the preparations of Moshe and Bnei Yisrael for the great events at the foot of Mt. Sinai. The willingness of this group of people to accept the rigors of following the word of Hashem even before hearing all of the precepts in advance makes them a special nation, dear to Hashem. This is the collective holiness that R. Avraham spoke of.
Am Yisrael as a collective is holy. Certainly, when the people are united, this finds greatest expression, and we can apply "Your nation are all righteous" (Yeshayahu 60:21). In order for Am Yisrael to be considered a true collective, it needs to be free from the servitude of Egypt and possess its own Land. It requires independence, which is an intrinsic part of this ideal situation. An independent Jewish state is a holy thing that we must guard to the fullest extent and must be partners in its defense. This unified collective is called "K’nesset Yisrael."
Am Yisrael is Hashem’s "bride," and therefore it cannot be enslaved to or in the domain of anyone else. The midrash (Tanchuma, Kedoshim 2) captures this concept, comparing the situation to a king who married a woman and said, "Since you have become married to me, I am the king and you are the queen, and each of us is an honor to the other." This, explains the midrash, is the reason the root kadosh (meaning holy and meaning betrothed) is used in the people’s preparation for the acceptance of the Torah at Sinai (Shemot 19:10). As Hashem’s "wife," we became a mamlechet kohanim v’goy kadosh.
There is also an obligation of holiness in each and every individual. This encompasses the multitude of specific mitzvot of the Torah and all of the Ten Commandments. As we cherish our national independence and improvements in unity and connection to the collective, which makes us "all righteous," we will continue to strive to use pleasant ways to try to strengthen the individual holiness of as many as possible. This will bring on the next steps of our already begun national liberation.
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.
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(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.
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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
