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Miracles in bunches continued in the days of Yehoshua, who conquered most of Eretz Yisrael. The period started with the splitting of the Jordan. The walls of Jericho fell by miracle, and boulders fell from the sky in battle around the slopes of Beit Choron, at which time Yehoshua proclaimed that the sun and moon stop their progress (Yehoshua 10:12). During that war, he defeated the southern kings, including those of Yerushalayim and Lachish (ibid. 10:5). It is likely that these miracles occurred during the month of Nisan. Hundreds of years later, a miracle killed the formidable army of Sancheriv overnight (Melachim II, 19:35). The final miracle that made it into Tanach is the story of Esther, in the Persian period, soon before the sealing of Tanach. This also occurred on Pesach.
On Chanuka, we publicize the miracles and thank Hashem for the "miracles … and the salvations, and the wonders that You did for our fathers in those days at this time." Those days were in the times of the Hasmoneans, and this time refers to Chanuka (and similarly, for Purim a few months later), which is prominent on our calendars.
Since Simchat Torah 5784, in the various campaigns against powerful enemies, including Iran and its satellite armies, we have seen highly unusual miracles. This makes it crucial to thank Hashem and take an active part in the salvation and ensuring the future of the independent Jewish state. We must also guard carefully our national unity, which is necessary for divine assistance.
Now we will look at the common denominator between many of the miracles we mentioned above, in the realm of geography – drawing a route from Gilgal near the Jordan River, to Ay, to the path of today’s Hgwy. 443, through Ma’aleh Beit Choron, to Lachish and Yerushalayim.
After Yehoshua defeated Ay, five kings attacked our allies, the Givonim. Yehoshua pulled out of Gilgal, passed Ay, and attacked these kings, who were fleeing to the flatlands (Yehoshua 10:11-13). The miracle of the sun and moon "freezing" in place was witnessed by the world, creating a great kiddush Hashem. Sancheriv was to take a similar path as Yehoshua did, and his army’s sudden disappearance also created a stir in the world. Unfortunately, despite the generally great leadership of Chizkiyahu, who could have become Mashiach, they lost the chance when they did not properly thank Hashem.
The world thus did not become spiritually fixed. Therefore, it was necessary hundreds of years later, for the Hasmoneans to fight and defeat the Seleucid Greeks, with one of the most central battles being on the slopes of Beit Choron.
The miracles we have seen in these past two years are in many ways greater than those of the Hasmoneans, and they arguably can be compared to biblical miracles. May we find the wisdom to thank Hashem properly for the miracles and take part with Hashem in them.
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)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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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
