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The students of the Gra reminded us about this marriage between the two beloveds described in Shir Hashirim. The "couple" is to live in Yerushalayim on high, while in Yerushalayim in this world there is a makom (place) that Hashem will choose as an abode for His presence that Israel can seek out (see Devarim 12:5). The "makom", which is also a term used for Hashem, is the point of connection between the two Yerushalayims, as David learned when he saw the fearful angel of Hashem suspended between heaven and earth (Divrei Hayamim I, 21:16).
The Nation of Israel, in its ethereal form, already married Hashem while in the desert at the completion of sefirat ha’omer. In fact, the students of the Gra pointed out that the following three concepts share the same gematria: Knesset Yisrael, Yerushalayim Shel Ma’ala, and Sefirat Ha’omer. If so, the most appropriate time for weddings would be the momentous days of sefirat ha’omer, and yet this is a time that we do not allow weddings. We will explain after three introductory points:
1. Sefirat ha’omer is connected to Shabbat. In describing the counting’s beginning and duration, the Torah invokes the term Shabbat multiple times, including surprising usages (see Vayikra 23:15). 2. The famous poem Lecha Dodi talks about going out to greet the bride and greeting Shabbat. Is it a song about weddings or Shabbat?! 3. During the sefira, we mourn the death of R. Akiva’s students, who did not treat each other properly. This is surprising considering that R. Akiva uniquely stressed the centrality of treating others properly!
We suggest as follows. From the Exodus until the giving of the Torah, there was a marriage process between Hashem and Knesset Yisrael, bringing us back to the situation of Adam before his sin. The Golden Calf lowered us – the continuation of the wedding was delayed until the End of Days – the day that is fully Shabbat and menucha (see Tamid 7:4). So sefira starts after Shabbat and creates seven Shabbat cycles, until the groom and bride can reunite, as can the different Yerushalayims. In the meantime, though, the sefirat ha’omer period is incomplete. It was even impossible to plan publicly for the future marriage, because the Roman subjugators would have stepped in to put it down. Only 500 years ago, did the Tzfat Kabbalists sneak in the song of yearning for the wedding under the guise of "only" singing about Shabbat. It is therefore appropriate that we sing Lecha Dodi on Yom Ha’atzmaut and Yom Yerushalayim and that we allow weddings on these two special days.
As we celebrate Yerushalayim Unification Day, so may we look forward to the next stage of unifying Yerushalayim – that from above with that from below.
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)
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
