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There is a tradition of rebellion regarding the relationship of one generation to the previous ones. Nineteenth century Eastern European Jewish life was a hotbed of youthful rebellion against the previous norms and structure of Jewish life. The secularism, assimilation and apathy of Jewish spirit that marks much of our current Jewish society are a product of this discontinuity of generations. The Holocaust was another major and tragic fraying of the bonds of Jewish generations. Willfully or by negligence, most Jews today lack the bond of generations that is so necessary for meaningful Jewish life and survival. And it is not only past generations that are missing but future ones as well. Intermarriage, approval of homosexual behavior, smaller numbers of Jewish children, rampant abortions, all combine to diminish hopes for future generations of Jews. Familial and generational disruptions in Jewish life spell disaster both for the individual and the people of Israel generally. We cannot have Judaism without Jews. So the infant great grandson that I was privileged to hold in my hands this week is really a vote of confidence in the Jewish future and in the eternity of Israel. One of the outstanding statistics that leap out at one when reading about the years immediately after the Holocaust is the large number of babies born to survivors in the years 1945 to 1948. This creation of Jewish generations under and after the worst of all conditions of human life is the supreme attestation to the eternity and resilience of the Jewish people.
Obviously, generations cannot be judged solely on the basis of quantity and numbers. The role of the individual is always paramount in Jewish life. Even when one is blessed with generations, both previous and succeeding ones, it is up to the individual himself and herself as to the future of the Jewish people. Everyone has to contribute according to one’s gifts and talents. Everyone has to feel the responsibility upon one’s self and not rely on one’s pedigree of greatness or on the projected achievements or grandchildren or great grandchildren. Every person eventually is judged by one’s own behavior and actions. Generations are important and great but are not the guarantors of success and achievement. Eisav came from Avraham and Yitzchak and Rabi Akiva came from Senchariv. The power of the individual to choose one’s course in life is never diminished. It may certainly be influenced by the concept of generations that I have discussed here but it is never wholly decided by that concept alone. I along with you pray for healthy, successful, pious generations. But they will have to earn it just as I have to do. May we all merit truly upright Jewish generations.
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 P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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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
