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Rashi (ad loc.) explains that it was referring to the fact that, in his pursuit, Avraham went to places where he had not previously visited. In other words, Avraham was miraculously successful despite his lack of intelligence information. The conclusion is that one who has Divine guidance can manage without GPS devices. The problem with this explanation is that the pasuk uses the future tense, whereas, according to Rashi, it refers to a past one-time event, which warrants use of the past tense. The Radak explained that Avraham and his soldiers were not tired despite the long trek.
According to both of these explanations, Avraham’s forces experienced only a nes nistar (a miracle that does not contradict the rules of nature). They were willing to risk their lives to undertake a worthy mission they believed in and, in this merit, were successful. The midrash relates to this dedication as the source of success for Avraham’s descendants 400 years later. "At that time, Hashem said: ‘you toiled for Me in the killing of the kings in the middle of the night. I swear that I will repay you in Egypt,’ as it says: ‘It was at midnight’" (Psikta Rabbati, Hosafa 1:2).
According to other sources, there were open miracles that helped Avraham. These occurred in the following realms: 1) Avraham’s strides at that time were a kilometer or more long (P’sikta, ibid.). 2) The legs of the warriors did not even pick up dirt during the event (ibid.). 3) It was only Avraham and one servant, Eliezer, who conquered the armies of the kings (Midrash Tehillim 110).
A third approach can be found in the following midrash. After killing so many people, Avraham was troubled by the likelihood that someone among them was righteous. Hashem reassured him: "a way with his feet he will not come," i.e., the sin will not relate to you. This midrash raises an important moral question: when a tzaddik fights a just war, does he have to be concerned that he will kill those who are free of blame? In this case, Avraham was not assured that he did not kill anyone righteous but that the culpability had been removed from him. His hands and feet remained clean.
Let us pray that also in our day, if we will be forced to fight wherever we must, including "until Chova to the left of Damascus," we will merit miraculous protection, as well as moral protection.
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
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)
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)
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
