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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Korach
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Tanach
What needs investigation is the continuation of Moshe’s words: "I did not do evil to one of them (achad mehem)." What injustice was Moshe ruling out that we might have suspected? The Pesikta explains that it just comes to dispute Korach and his entourage’s claim that Moshe and his brother were seeking to rule over the rest of the nation. Along the lines of the Pesikta , the Chizkuni explains these words that even to those who had wronged Moshe and logically deserved punishment or harsh treatment in response, like Datan and Aviram, Moshe did not do evil.
Midrash Rabba has an interesting explanation. Moshe was saying: "I did not obligate the exempt or credit he who was obligated." What is particularly interesting about this explanation is that it assumes correctly that it is a disservice for a litigant who deserves to lose a case to end up winning the case improperly.
The Ramban comments as follows. Although Moshe was considered like a king, he did not force people to work for him, escorting his chariot or otherwise, nor did he favor anyone in judgment or disgrace anyone. The Ramban, who knew the kings of Spain, understood that the standard practice of kings was to cause hardship to others in an effort to elevate their status or place fear in their subjects’ hearts. Moshe and Shmuel informed the people that they avoided such behavior.
Let us end off with the novel idea of the Meshech Chuchma. It is unfortunately a common practice in the world of politics, where people vie for positions of leadership, that candidates besmirch each other and try to gain by means of the disgrace of their rivals. In past times also, it was apparently common that one would burrow into his rival’s past and try to uncover unsightly information. These same candidates would act humble in relation to the populace to try to show their modest side. The Meshech Chuchma says that it is not a big deal to act humble in front of those in whose eyes one is trying to find favor. Rather, one should lower his head in regard to achad mehem, in other words, before the prominent among the nation who are rivals. This is something that Moshe succeeded in, and it is a sign of the true humility that caused Hashem to refer to him as the most humble person on the face of the earth (Bamidbar 12:3).
How important it is to learn even a little from Moshe Rabbeinu’s example!
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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)
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
