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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
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- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Shmot
- Ki Tisa
Let us understand the background. The Megilla opens with an account of Achashveirosh, who ruled 127 provinces, from Hodu to Kush." Hodu is in Asia and Kush in Africa, and they mark the boundaries of the biblical world. Implicitly, he claims the exclusive title of the king of kings. There is no room for Hashem in his perception.
Such an attitude in the world causes Hashem to react with hester panim (hiding the Divine Presence (Shechina)). It is therefore unsurprising that His Name does not appear explicitly in the Megilla, as Hashem is concealed behind the recurring term "the king."
The Shechina went with Am Yisrael into exile from Eretz Yisrael (Megilla 29a). At the time of the Persian Empire’s broad rule, there seemed to be no realistic prospect that Israel would return to the Beit Hamikdash, the home of the Shechina. Yirmiyahu had foretold that the nation would return after 70 years, and the Mikdash would be rebuilt. According to Chazal, once those years passed, Achashveirosh’s feast, at which the vessels of the Mikdash were deliberately used, constituted giving up hope for redemption and the ideal of "if they merit, the Shechina would be with and above them."
Chazal taught that a man and woman who build a home in Israel merit that the Shechina will dwell among them (Sotah 17a), reminiscent of the command to build the Mishkan "so I shall dwell among them" (Shemot 25:8). The command concludes with a double declaration: "I shall dwell in the midst of Bnei Yisrael … to dwell among them, I am Hashem" (Shemot 29:45-46). The indwelling of the Shechina is a result of families that build their homes in sanctity and purity, and this finds public expression in the Mishkan/Mikdash.
Tragically, between the command to build the Mishkan and its construction, the sin of the Golden Calf occurred. The Calf symbolizes life centered on materialism and degradation (see Shemot 32:18). Life in Achashveirosh’s palace represents a prolonged Golden Calf lifestyle. The beginning of the Megilla presents a world founded on promiscuity, drunken feasting, and a royal command that a wife appear publicly in a manner intended to shock and humiliate. Anyone who aspires to live in a world shaped by "How good are your tents, Ya‘akov …!" (Bamidbar 24:5) cannot accept such conduct. The degrading treatment of women in Iran (i.e., ancient Persia) shows that, fundamentally, things have not changed over the course of millennia.
If the Megilla is a story of redemption and of renewed possibility to experience the Shechina, then R. Yehuda, R. Yossi, and R. Shimon do not require to read the first chapter!
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
