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Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Korach
Korach had two arguments against Moshe (Bamidbar 18:3). Why does a house full of sefarim require a mezuza? Why should a tallit which is colored techeilet require the techeilet strings of tzitzit? These fundamental arguments echo from generation to generation, and they break Bnei Yisrael to pieces and prevent the prevailing of peace.
A house full of sefarim represents great Torah scholars, who fully surround themselves with Torah and do not leave that holy domain. When there is such a house full with sefarim, the place’s great quality and the person’s deep connection to Torah cause him to not notice that there are all sorts of small "scrolls" (with a play on words with "events"), which might not be that impactful, but they have value because they are placed in the entrance and exit of the house. They preserve the Jewish house while people are occupied with matters that become necessary at their time and place. They may be about simple material things, a religious school, a religious agricultural operation, a kibbutz, classes for adolescents, appropriate sports that do not take place on Shabbat. These matters can be considered small, but they are important, just like the mezuza on our doorposts, even for a house full of sefarim.
There is also sometimes a very different mistake – people think there is no need for tzitzit of techeilet on a garment of techeilet. In other words, the techeilet of normal life and its beauty is enough from their perspective. Dealing with simple things while adding to them important content, convinces the heart that this is enough. In a life of work in Eretz Yisrael, which the Chatam Sofer (Sukka 36a) compares to wearing tefillin, where the mundane contains the sacred, one can be blinded by the sun. He can think that if we are all full of techeilet, then we do not also need tzitzit. And if there are tzitzit there, certainly what point would there be for some more techeilet? The value of and excitement about the techeilet of the garment detracts from the excitement of attaching tzitzit of techeilet.
These ideas are mistakes. The Torah says of Aharon: "He separated Aharon to sanctify him as holy of holies" (Divrei Hayamim I, 23:13). If a life of work in Eretz Yisrael is holy, then the values that in the Diaspora are holy, turn into holy of holies in Eretz Yisrael. If plowing in Eretz Yisrael is like donning tefillin, then donning tefillin – is donning tefillin! The relative distance between the values is not shortened; everything just moves further in the direction of sanctity in Eretz Yisrael. If people do not understand this, then they approach sanctity in a manner that destroys and neutralizes the sanctity. As it says in our parasha, "Whoever gets close [improperly] to the Sanctuary of Hashem shall die" (Bamidbar 17:28).
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
