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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
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- Bereshit
- Noach
Noach’s name first comes up when his father Lemech named him. Lemech said: "This one shall comfort us from our actions and from the sadness of our hands, from the earth that was cursed by Hashem" (Bereishit 5:29). Chazal (see Rashi ad loc.) tell us that this positive comfort was that he developed plowing utensils, which eased the difficulty of agriculture that stemmed from the curse of Adam. (Rashi actually explains the name based on the root of making easy rather than comforting.)
Right after the first discussion of Noach’s lineage, the Torah tells the story of the powerful men who took whichever women they wanted (ibid. 6:2). Rashi tells that this included taking women right before their weddings. Hashem first limited their longevity to 120 years (ibid. 3; see Malbim ad loc.). Later (ibid. 5-7) Hashem took further steps, decreeing the destruction of the world as it had been known, and using the root of Noach’s name to describe the decision – "Vayinachem Hashem …" (Hashem regretted that he made man in the land); "Ki nichamti ki asitim" (I regret having made them). Directly following this, the Torah writes that "Noach found favor in the eyes of Hashem" (ibid. 8).
This indicates that the changes in which Noach took part did not go just in the direction of respite from difficulties but also in causing Hashem to regret the world. Even Noach went from finding favor in Hashem’s eyes to drunkenness and the first recorded post-diluvian scandal (commentaries disagree as to exactly what happened between Noach, Cham, and C’na’an). This required the passing of the future of the spiritual world from Noach and his descendants to only one of his descendants – Avraham.
The phrase "… matza chen" appears three times in Tanach – about Noach, David (Shmuel I, 16:22), and Am Yisrael (Yirmiyahu 31:1). We also find similar language regarding Hashem’s relationship with Moshe after the Golden Calf (Shemot 33:16-17).
If so, we see a new significance of Noach’s birth and name. Although Hashem had "regrets" and brought the flood, which destroyed the world due to mankind’s corruption, Noach was positioned to save mankind and connect people with Hashem in a manner that could keep it going smoothly. The problem is that after the flood, Noach’s nuclear family itself was poisoned by depravity (Bereishit 9:20-24).
We can summarize as follows. When Noach’s father, Lemech, had him, he was excited that Noach could remedy the punishment of Adam. Noach would make things more noach (easy, pleasant), saving time and sweat with his plow. Found time brings promise and pitfall. Sometimes a fancier, more relaxing life brings one to spend time on corrupt indulgences. On the other hand, the time can be spent strengthening the connection to Hashem of oneself and those around him. Only in Eretz Yisrael are agricultural activities considered mitzvot. This connection to the Land begins when Avraham comes upon the scene – at the end of Parashat Noach. This is the "message for generations."
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)
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)
Rabbis in Midrash
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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)
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)
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
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
