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Beit Midrash
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We have a double celebration today – a celebration of the past and a celebration in the present. We have a holiday that celebrates the renewed inauguration of the Beit Hamikdash, well in the past. Together with that, we have a contemporary celebration of the inauguration of a rabbinic position in a location in the agricultural pioneer settlements that is built on values of purity and sanctity in Eretz Yisrael. There are common lines and united content for these two celebrations.
The mitzva of Chanuka lights is to place them on the outer side of the entrance of the house (Shabbat 21b). The mitzva to inaugurate a rabbinical position is another name for the Torah’s mitzva of appointing rabbinical judges, which is also done outside … "in all of your gateways" (Devarim 16:18). The difference is that Chanuka lights are by the entrance to the house and judges are seated near the gateway to the city. The lights of Chanuka take light from within the home and spread it to the outside, down the street and around the neighborhood. It represents the influence of the individual within society. Regarding judges, the light of justice of Israeli society, which finds expression broadly in the city and the settlement, breaks forth from city gates to the whole national, political structure. When the various lights of justice unite from their sources, it creates a special content of a Jewish state.
Moreshet Shaul (48)
Various Rabbis
4 - Moreshet Shaul: The Fundamentals of Judaism
5 - Moreshet Shaul:A Crown and its Scepter – part I
6 - Moreshet Shaul: A Crown and its Scepter – part II
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The midrash says: "Hashem said: From all the nations I created, I love only Israel, as it says, ‘For Israel is a youth, and I love it’ (Hoshea 11:1). Of all that I created, I love only justice, as it says, ‘For I am Hashem, Who loves justice’ (Yeshayahu 61:8). Hashem said: I will give that which I love to the nation that I love. That is why it says, ‘Judges and officers …’ (Devarim 16:18)" (Devarim Rabba, Shoftim 5:7).
There are many nations in the world, and there are powerful states, which have many cities and gateways, but these are not our gateways. They do not have the clear definitive sign that makes our gateways what they are. They have gateways based on "Whoever is stronger will be victorious," gateways built on corruption of holy justice. Over history we have too often felt on our skin the "justice" of their courts. Only our gateways are set on law and justice. To the same extent that justice is stronger, so too the special character of that locality of the Jewish city or settlement will be stronger.
The installation of a rabbinate in one settlement is not an event that is limited to a specific person or a specific settlement. It is, rather, another step in the building of the Land that is the "house of our lives." It is another rung in the religious settlement movement and another victory for the spirit of traditional Judaism.
If we are joyful that we merited to see the establishment of the cities and settlements of the region of Judea, it is a far greater joy to see the building of settlements that carry the stamp of the holy religion. How awesome is the joy that we have merited to celebrate the founding of the settlement’s "gateways," with this appointment that Hashem bestowed upon me through you, in His great kindness.
We will continue next time.
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Discipline in Informal Education – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 168
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Members of the Nation Who Are in The Fields
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 95 (from 1942)
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Introduction to Midrash Rabba – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 121-124
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
