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We see in this week's parsha that Avraham "works hard" in a long & detailed give-and-take to buy the Ma'arat HaMachpela in Chevron. Like Har HaBayit and Shchem, Avraham refuses to accept it as a gift and davka pays with the most impeccable coins and does so in the most public way possible, for he wants it to be clear forever and to all, that no gentiles can claim Eretz Yisrael (Breishit Rabba 79, 7, see also 1st Rashi in the Torah).
The Ibn Ezra (23, 19) explains that this chapter teaches us that from this point and forever we have, not just a Heavenly promise but a tangible & eternal stronghold in the Land of Israel. It also comes "to inform us the outstanding status of Eretz Yisrael above all other lands, for the living and dead, alike".
Kiddushin, betrothing a wife, is the 1st symbol, tangible, legal and halachic sign of love & eternal bond between the couple. In my first year in high school, I heard R. Shlomo Riskin point out that it's not a coincidence that chazal (Kiddushin 2a) learn this from the very first, as well as the final land acquisition in Eretz Yisrael. Avraham's obtaining Chevron, and Yirmiyahu's buying land in Israel for the final redemption (Yirmiyahu 32, 44), are the source of how to do Kiddushin and marriage, for the ultimate example of eternal love with which we wish to bless the new couple is the similar relationship between Am Yisrael and Eretz Yisrael. Even when nations forcibly separated us, we knew it was temporary and continuously tried (and did!) return to her. Similarly, like a faithful wife, Israel waited for her lover, not giving her fruits to foreign nations, who all tried but to no avail (Ramban, Vayikra 26). And now that we have returned, "As a young man lives with a virgin, so shall your children live in you (Eretz Yisrael)… (Yishayahu 62, 5). Moreover, as opposed to "buying" an object, when one does Kiddushin, he doesn't "own" his beloved and cannot sell or give her to others. Similarly Eretz Yisrael is our beloved land forever, and we don't really "acquire" her with "damim" (Hebrew for money and BLOOD) for she is ESSENTIALLY meant for us, and accordingly we cannot give her away or sell her, even if we want to. There's even NO possibility of DIVORCE!
Rav Kook (Ma'amarei HaReiya, p. 323), in his heartfelt cry, "Come you all to Eretz Yisrael", stresses that Aliya is the answer to ALL of the problems, both spiritual and physical. Especially today, aside from the many positive religious mitzvot, as well as national and historical reasons to make Aliya (the future is clearly here), and that real estate in Israel is a solid & eternal investment, Jews outside of Israel struggle with assimilation & intense cultural influences (like self-centeredness, weakening of the family and gender confusion, not to mention intermarriage), anti-Semitism, the cost of yeshiva education, changing neighborhoods, a lack of Torah leadership, etc. BH here we have the HOME-COURT advantage, and we select our culture and priorities. The Torah often points out that the mitzvot are (Dvarim 6,, 24) "לטוב לנו", for our benefit, and sound advice (Yishayahu 25, 1). Only Hashem can know all of the complex factors involved in such far-reaching decisions, and only He can solve all problems with one concrete command: ISRAEL, "והרושתם את הארץ וישבתם בה", "inherit=own=buy the Land & settle her" (Bamidbar 33, 53). Also note, our beloved is always referred to in the FEMININE, as our soulmate.
Friends from NY have informed me that it's not a rumor but a fact that many who planned to buy homes in Eretz Yisrael, but delayed realizing their dream, are now, with the election of Mamdani, bringing their ideal into fruition. We always preferred that our fellow Jews should come home to Israel out of ideals, and not out of fear, ובאו ציון ברינה"", (Yishayahu 51, 11), and it's not too late for that (for the assimilated Jews are not coming so soon, not to mention those running to Florida, so those making Aliya now is clearly ALSO out of ideals), but the main point is to come Home anyway possible! Shabbat Shalom, Rav Ari Shvat (Chwat)
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.
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
