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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Chukat
Whereas the clouds are mentioned in various contexts throughout the Chumash, the well and its water disappear from discussion until our parasha. Here, the Torah tells of Miriam’s death (Bamidbar 20:1), the shortage of water (ibid. 2), the complaints, divine intervention, and the mistake of Moshe and Aharon (ibid. 3-13). The gemara (ibid.) derives from the proximity of events that the water must have been in Miriam’s merit, which is why it disappeared when she died. The same pattern appears several p’sukim later – Aharon died (ibid. 29), and Bnei Yisrael became vulnerable because of the disappearance of the protective clouds (see ibid. 21:1 with Rashi). This too was the proof that the clouds had been in the merit of Aharon.
This should inspire an important lesson. When things are going well, we forget the blessings we have, and even when we think about them, we do not always know who to thank for them. Sometimes, only when the people who deserve recognition are gone, do we realize that had we noticed, we could have thanked them all along. Similarly, the impact of the Beit Hamikdash on Jewish life was clear on many levels at its time. However, Chazal tell us that when it was destroyed, all sorts of deficiencies and curses came up (Sota 48a). Presumably, the nation were unaware that the absence of these problems was thanks to the Beit Hamikdash.
There, though, is a difference between the hidden value of Miriam and that of Aharon. Aharon was, after all, a visible part of the efforts to bring about the Exodus, and throughout the time in the desert, he was the kohen gadol. When he died, the Torah says that everyone cried (Bamidbar 20:29). Miriam is barely mentioned throughout the Torah, and upon her death, we are not told that the nation cried. In her first mention in the Torah, watching her baby brother on the Nile and arranging his reuniting with his mother (Shemot 2:4-9), she is called only "his sister." Chazal teach us that Miriam is also Puah, who helped with childbirth (Rashi to ibid. 1:15). She is also the "uncredited" one who convinced her father and, through him many others, to return to childbearing (Rashi to ibid. 2:1). Miriam changed Bnei Yisrael, and was happy to do it behind the scenes and anonymously, only stepping forward into the limelight, when there was a rare need to act publicly by example, leading the women in song and dance after the Splitting of the Sea (Shemot 15:21).
In their own way, many women, and some men, are able to make their greatest contributions anonymously and behind the scenes. At the end, each will get their reward, either to be belatedly recognized, or to receive the deserved reward from Hashem alone.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
