YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Naso
Shavuot is the only Jewish holiday whose exact date is not found in the Torah. Indeed, it is observed on the "50th day," following seven full weeks of counting, starting with "the day after the shabbat" (Vayikra 23:16) i.e., the day after the first day of Pesach. Since fundamentally, Iyar and Sivan can each be either 29 or 30 days, the date of Shavuot is not set (prior to the setting of the calendar 16-17 centuries ago).
The Torah was given at Sinai, a region whose location we know, but the specific mountain is unclear. We do not find that Am Yisrael ever turned Mt. Sinai into a "holy site," at which one should serve Hashem, or attributed special halachot to it.
One can perform the Torah’s commandments only in a physical place (preferably, Eretz Yisrael), and while living under a framework of time. On the other hand, one can "break free" from the physical constraints of time and place – through Torah study! When learning Torah, we try to separate ourselves from our physical place and connect to the Makom (play on word between place and a reference to Hashem) of the world. We should raise ourselves up to the Heavens, which is also a spiritual term, and is also called Makom (see last week’s d’var Torah). Torah study enables us to build lofty spiritual worlds, beyond the physical world, that are not governed by time.
Indeed, Torah study frees us from the bonds of time, because Tanach came to us from the Heavens, and the Heavens is a place that is not a place and does not have time. This is a reason that one of the principles of biblical exegesis is "there is no earlier and later in the Torah." The Torah is a lesson in existence, which relates to all elements of time – past, present, and future. The thoughts that Torah evokes remove physical constraints to freedom – "there is no free person like one who studies Torah."
The tablets given at Sinai were "produced by G-d, and the writing was the writing of G-d, charut (lit., engraved) on the tablets." Pirkei Avot (6:2) instructs to read it as cheirut (freedom) on the tablets. (This connects us to Pesach and its companion holiday, Yom Ha’atzmaut.)
The Torah is compared to light. Light is at the edge of the material world; on its other side is energy. The speed of light is one of the material world’s boundaries, and it is part of the Einsteinian equation that connects physical mass to energy.
The Torah was given, starting with the Ten Commandments. The world was created with ten divine utterings (Avot 5:1), the first being "Let there be light" (Bereishit 1:3). This hints at the connection between light and Torah.
We pray that the light of the Torah will illuminate the world. Let all nations seek Torah in Jerusalem, the "light of the world." May evil be destroyed, and goodness flourish. May the hostages return, the injured be healed, and consolation be felt in the houses of our dear fallen brethren. May unity lead us in our personal and national lives, on our way to full liberation.
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 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
