YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Pinchas
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Helwa Bat Farcha
After rectifying matters religiously, it was time to rescind the decree, cessation of rain for three years, which Eliyahu had imposed on the people through his request of Hashem. After the repentance he elicited from the people and even from Achav, Eliyahu told Achav to go and eat, as rain was coming (Melachim I, 18:41).
While Achav was eating, Eliyahu went to the top of Mt. Carmel and did something called lighor toward the ground (ibid:42). Rashi and other commentators explain that he was praying for rain. This idea probably comes from the word vayighar, a verb found only in one other place in Tanach, when Eliyahu’s student Elisha was resurrecting the son of the Shunamite (Melachim II, 4:33-35).
What was the point of praying for rain when the whole reason for the drought was Eliyahu’s request of Hashem, which he was now rescinding? Secondly, Hashem had already commanded Eliyahu to approach Achav (Melachim I, 18:1) so that "I will give rain on the face of the earth." If that is what Hashem wanted, why was there a need for prayer?
The Netziv explains the point of the prayer based on a midrash on a difficult pasuk in Shir Hashirim (7:6) that we must bring in a mixture of English and Hebrew. "Rashech is on you like carmel, and dalat of your head like argaman, a king tied up in rehatim." The midrash (Vayikra Rabba 31) explains: the poor among you are beloved to Me like Eliyahu who went to Mt. Carmel. The weak among you are beloved like David. The final phrase is a reference to Moshe who was prevented from entering the Land because of the water of rehatim.
The Netziv explains as follows. The lowliest in the nation is like the greatest leader in that all can succeed only with prayer, which gives the nation power Above. Even when Hashem wants to bestow blessing on the nation, He still wants prayer to precede the blessing. Accordingly, Moshe’s mistake at the waters of quarrel was that he did not pray that the water should come out of the rock; rather, he relied on Hashem’s assurance alone.
Indeed we should always turn to Hashem in prayer, even when we feel that we are assured success, all the more so when we do not.
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)
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
Lessons
fast navigation
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
