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Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Beha'alotcha
A necessary condition for going out to war is a census: "From twenty years old and up, all that go out to the army (tzava) in Israel; you and Aaron shall count them by their tzava" (Bamidbar 1:3). Notably, all censuses in Tanach relate to military service and preparation for war. The Netziv (head of the famous Volozhin Yeshiva) explains:
"They were likened at that time to a king going at the head of his army... no king goes by himself... but in a camp of honor and dignity... so was it required for the dwelling of the Divine Presence ... since they were counted only for those who go out to the army, we were worthy to be counted in the King’s legion for the war... and the Kingdom of Heaven is like the kingdom of the earth" (Ha’emek Davar, Bamidbar 1:1).
His words teach two important things: the entire nation is considered an army; the number of soldiers is what ensures the dwelling of the Shechina.
Military service occupies a central place in the beginning of Bamidbar. In the tribal counts, the expression "all that go out to the army" appears over ten times, and "every man by his camp and... his banner" appears over twenty times.
In B’ha’alotcha, the nation sets out as an organized army. Immediately following this are the p’sukim we say when opening the aron hakodesh: "And it was when the ark traveled, and Moshe said: Arise, Hashem, and let Your enemies be scattered..." (Bamidbar 10:35-36). The aron is the symbol of the Shechina; it accompanies Israel into battle. Thus, we have a source for the Netziv's teaching of connecting army and Shechina.
The section on the chatzotzrot (trumpets) describes several of their uses. In addition to use to organize the journey, the Torah commands their use both during war against an oppressor and on "days of happiness," holidays, and new months (see ibid.10:9-10). What is the connection between their use for war and for holidays?
Ibn Ezra explains that the days of happiness are when the army returned victorious and the people established a holiday (e.g., Purim and Chanuka). According to his view, we should establish festivals to mark victories.
In Ibn Ezra’s times, these words referred to a future redemption. In our generation, this dream has become a reality. The necessary condition was the establishment, with Hashem’s mercy, of an independent Jewish state in our ancestral land. Only a strong Israeli army, with participation from all sectors of the public, can ensure these miracles continue.
We will continue to thank Hashem on the established days of gratitude for the immense miracles of our generation. We call on all our brothers to join the Israel Defense Forces to ensure the continuation of the ingathering of exiles and victory over our enemies.
We call for everyone to "recognize the good" and join those thanking Hashem for the State and the liberation of the Land from foreign occupiers. We pray for unity, safety, the healing of the wounded, and comfort for the bereaved families. We will sound the trumpets in both gratitude and prayer.
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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.
