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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
- Noach
What is the meaning of the expression, "vayachel "? Rashi explains that it means to wait. He supports it with the use of the word in regard to Iyov, for whom people waited to hear what he had to say (Iyov 29:21). We can bring similar support from the long wait of Eglon’s servants for their slain leader (Shoftim 3:25) and Shaul’s nerve-racking wait for Shmuel (Shmuel I, 13:8).
However, further investigation raises another possibility. Noach’s difficult situation is reminiscent of that of another person, Yehoachaz ben Yehu, King of Israel, who was hit with a "flood" of troubles. He was preceded by two generations by the evil king, Achav, who despite certain glaring deficiencies, merited a robust economy and was successful in battle. In contrast, during Yehoachaz’s reign, a tremendous downturn occurred. He was defeated soundly by the Aramites, prompting the pasuk, "The King of Aram ... left for Yehoachaz only 50 cavalry men, 10 chariots, and 10,000 foot soldiers" (Melachim II, 13:7). What did Yehoachaz do to extricate himself from this predicament? "Vayechal Yehoachaz the face of Hashem" (ibid.:4). Here the root we have been working with clearly means to pray, and indeed Hashem answered him favorably even though the people were not virtuous enough to have otherwise deserved success (ibid.).
But why does the Torah use a root that could easily be understood by a different meaning? Let us try to answer with the help of yet another use of this root in that time period. After things reached a particular low, the king exclaimed: "Alas, this trouble is from Hashem! Why should I pray (ochil ) to Hashem anymore" (ibid. 6:33). Although the navi does not name the king, it is likely that it is referring to the one who did vayechal elsewhere, Yehoachaz. His claim was that when we see that the prayers are not helping, there is no point to continue. The answer to his claim is the double meaning of vayechal: one has to pray and one has to wait patiently regarding the prospects of an accepted prayer. If we are patient, the salvation will come.
It is likely then that Noach’s vayechal was also a waiting accompanied with prayer, as Yehoachaz was told to do 2,000 years later. Every subsequent generation would do well to also internalize this idea: pray patiently and wait prayerfully.
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)
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
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(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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(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)
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Parshat Re'eh
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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
