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Beit Midrash
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- Shavuot
Although we recite 3 different Birkot HaTorah every day, the Talmud (Brachot 11b) teaches that the "best" of these 3 is the final one, "אשר בחר בנו מכל העמים ונתן לנו את תורתו...", "that He chose us from all of the nations, and gave us His Torah". Rashi explains why this is the best of those 3 brachot: "For it contains thanks to G-d, and praise for Torah and ISRAEL".
Rav Tzvi Yehuda Kook zt"l often stressed (e.g. Mitoch HaTorah haGoelet, ch. 4) that first Hashem chose Israel, and subsequently gave us His Torah. Not that our uniqueness stems from what we received the Torah, but contrarily, He first chose us and accordingly gave us the Torah. One who forgets the specialness of Israel is missing the key to accepting the Torah. It's a "package deal" (the midrash inferring that G-d considered giving the Torah to other nations comes to teach another message, but is exactly that, just a midrash).
Similarly, upon examining this parallel between Ahava Rabba (the "great love" that G-d loves Israel) and Birkat HaTorah, we see that the essence of this most important bracha (which together with Birkat HaMazon are the only 2 brachot which are m'd'oraita), is as always found in the end, subsequent to the summarizing bracha:
"והביאנו לשלום מארבע כנפות הארץ ותוליכנו קוממיות לארצנו, כי א-ל פועל ישועות אתה ובנו בחרת מכל עם ולשון... ברוך אתה ה' הבוחר בעמו ישראל באהבה" , "And bring us to peace from the FOUR CORNERS of the earth and lead us UPRIGHT to our LAND. Because, You are the Almighty, Who performs acts of REDEMPTION, and You have chosen us from among all NATIONS and LANGUAGES, and You have brought us close to Your great Name, forever in truth; that we may give thanks to You, and proclaim Your Oneness, with love. Blessed are You, Adonay, Who chooses His nation Israel with LOVE".
Similarly, the other bracha before Kriyat Shema, which praises G-d as the Creator of lights, explicitly mentions that it's not just referring to 5786 years ago, but also "אור חדש על ציון תאיר", "the new light which He will shine on Zion" with the advent of Israel's redemption, which again is subsequent to the summarizing bracha, is included in that plural blessing, "ברוך אתה ה' יוצר המאורות" (haMe'orot). G-d's running of Jewish history and redemption to this day, is a natural continuation of Creation.
Accordingly, as we approach Shavu'ot, and celebrate our receiving the Torah, we must recognize that the current Zionist gathering of the exiles in mass aliya to Israel, and living "upright" with self-respect in our Jewish State, are the direct doing of Hashem "Who performs acts of redemption". This entire Zionist rebirth is a direct outcome that we are His chosen nation. And just as we are about to proclaim His Oneness (in Shema), He first proclaims OUR oneness, and His unique love for Am Yisrael.
The Mishna (Ta'anit 4, 8) teaches us on the pasuk "on the day of his marriage" (Shir HaShirim 3, 11), is referring to Shavu'ot, when Hashem wed with Israel. This act of mutual designation of the other's oneness and single love, is what we celebrate.
How can we not love Israel, when Hashem loves us so much! The Zohar (vol. 3, 73a) teaches that "Israel, the Torah, and G-d Himself are actually one and the same". Accordingly, Shavuot, the holiday of Matan Torah, resonates with His and our love of Israel, the Land, the State ("קוממיות") and the Torah. עם ישראל בארץ ישראל על פי תורת ישראל!
Chag Same'ach & Besorot Tovot! Rav Ari Shvat (Chwat)
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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
