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Tannaim debate when this arvut obtained full force (see Sanhedrin 43b). R. Yehuda maintains that national liability for hidden sins did not begin until Bnei Yisrael entered Eretz Yisrael. R. Nechemia asserts that Bnei Yisrael were not liable to punishment for even revealed sins before crossing the Jordan. This phemonenon heightens the impact of Eretz Yisrael from both a national and a spiritual perspective.
The covenantal (brit) element of Sinai is repeated at Mt. Grizim and Mt. Eval, as Moshe commanded Yehoshua. The nation accepted the blessings and curses with an affimation of "Amen" (see Devarim 27, Sota 32a), and the dynamic of the involvement of the various tribes, and the arvut engendered in it, are major. The gemara (ibid. 37a-b) continues to show the vastness of the covenant – encompassing the individual and the collective, the elements of learning the mitzva’s details, teaching them, and the dedication to and performance of the mitzvot. Including the brit at Sinai and before entering the Land, every mitzva of the Torah was confirmed with 48 britot of all six-hundred-thousand plus Jews. This comes to tens of millions of britot upon which we are all arevim.
Even if we do not adopt the literal element of the numerical magnitude of the mutual responsibility, the responsibility toward the spirituality of our brethren, the House of Israel, is uniquely powerful. Tragically, the fire of dispute and fragmentation is spreading these days like a wildfire, and it is in complete contrast to what, as we have seen, is our basic national responsibility.
This time of the year, we are noting our entering the Land, which occurred soon before Pesach (10 Nisan – Yehoshua 4:19), in addition to the freedom from enslavement, physical and spiritual, on Pesach. Soon thereafter, we commemorate the giving of the Torah. In our generation, new important commerations arose – remembrances for the victims of the Holocaust and victims of the struggle for the creation and upholding of our national independence in the State of Israel. This is a great backdrop to remember our obligation of mutual responsibility. This is a reason to increase love of our nation and our fellow Jews, and to try to speak positively about all of them, even if we do not agree with the actions and philosophies of some. If we focus on our stake in the welfare of every brother and sister, we can reach understandings with 90% of the population on the matters that challenge our unity. This is the way to proceed to make us fit for the coming of Mashiach.
We conclude with a homiletic point – arvut is hinted at already in Creation, with the words "It was erev (evening) and it was morning, day one" (Bereishit 1:5). Let us say – if we will each be an arev, we will see the dawning of the long-awaited day of redemption, the day of Oneness, when Hashem will be One and His Name will be One (Zecharia 14:9). Then we will see victory, when Hashem judges the mountain of Eisav and restores His full Kingdom (Ovadia 1:21).
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)
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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)
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.
