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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Bamidbar
- Family and Society
- The Jewish Household
- Women in Judaism
The Torah study is dedicatedto the full recovery of
Yehudah ben Hadasah Hinde Malkah
Why does the Torah mention the men so many times and leave out the women? Did the women not also go out to a desolate land and give birth to and educate children? They were at the giving of the Torah, answering, along with the men, "We will do and hear." They refused to take part in creating the Golden Calf. They clung to Eretz Yisrael and did not take part in the sin of the spies. Where did they disappear to?
We have discussed in the past that the stress on "by the house of the fathers" teaches the principle that every Jewish family should be based on. It is every Jewish child’s basic right to grow up in a family where he knows not only who his mother is but knows clearly who his father is. Doubts about this can raise issues as to the child’s ability to marry whom he likes. Laxness in this area could Heaven forbid hold back the Divine Presence from Am Yisrael and blur the difference between us and the nations. We must strive to fulfill the prophecy, "How good are your tents, Jacob, your living quarters, Israel" (Bamidbar 24:5).
What does the added phrase, l’mishpechotam (by their families) teach us? While the family nucleus should include a mother, father, daughter, and son to be complete, the mother is the most basic component that comprises the family and the subject of the pasuk above. The women then are referred to first in the pasuk, removing the question we asked.
The mother ensures the creation of the family unit and the continuity of the Jewish people. This is the highest value in the Jewish woman’s life, preceding communal work or self-development in other fields. This idea should be part of a young woman’s decision-making process as she chooses her course in life, which also affects the age she will be able to begin a family.
Let us give a practical, related idea. When a man redeems his ma’aser sheni (second tithe), which was to be used for spiritual growth in Jerusalem, he is penalized 25% for pushing off the growth. However, if a woman redeems her ma’aser sheni, she is not penalized (Rambam, Ma’aser Sheni 5:2). The reason, says the Meshech Chochma (Vayikra 27:31), is that we assume that it was the needs of raising a family that caused her to redeem.
We pray that women who, thank G-d, are educated in Torah and involved in the nation’s needs will successfully synthesize these values with that of motherhood that builds Jewish families.
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(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)
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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
