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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Rabbi Uzi Kalcheim, zt”l
One reason for this was so that "lawless men" not take control of the earth's water sources, saying, "The water is ours" (see ibid. 26:20). Another reason given was so that the water not gather in the low lands, irrigating the planes alone and leaving the high places dry. One way or another, God's rationale for irrigating "from above" was the desire for just distribution of God's blessing to all creatures and to all places of settlement, high and low alike.
Bearing these considerations in mind, why is it that we find places on earth that are completely dry, like deserts? And why are nature's resources located in a number of specific places on earth? Why are they not available to all?
There are many such questions, yet man is not always able to grasp the ways of God, for just as His creatures are different from one another, so are the various lands and climates. At any rate, there is a fundamental principal that we should keep in mind in this regard. In the words of Rabbi A.I. Kook (Orot Yisrael 5:2):
"The Almighty acted with great benevolence by not putting all of the desirable qualities in one place, one person, one nation, one land, one generation, or one world, but rather spreading the out, so that the need for consummation, the most ideal force there is, act as the factor causing things to be drawn to lofty unity, "And on that day, God will be One and His name will be One.' "
This principal teaches us about the interdependence that exists in creation. We do not find everything concentrated in one place alone. In one region there is oil, in another iron and copper; in one region there are trees and coal, and in another gold and diamonds; one region abounds in grains and fruits, and another in rice and coffee, etc.
In addition, wisdom and science, practical resourcefulness and the application of technological knowledge do not dwell specifically in regions rich in natural resources. This matter forces human beings and the various countries to be dependent and bound to one another. It is what creates the foundation for the unity of mankind, and it is how mutual reconciliation is achieved between one part of the planet and another.
The knowledge gathered and developed in a particular cultural region flows to weaker regions. Harmony is thus fostered all over the world in the same way that mutual reconciliation exists in the individual, between the various bodily organs. In this manner, we advance towards the general harmony of humanity, between all nations and all families on earth. Everything must be drawn after the final aim, the ideal of unity and peace, so that all merit God’s bountiful goodness and blessing.
From here there remains just one more step to the ideal: "All the world’s inhabitants will recognize and know that to you every knee should bend, every tongue should swear" (Alenu Prayer), so that we all merit reaching the age wherein "the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea" (Isaiah 11:9).
The last reason we mentioned for the earth being dependent upon rain was "that all might lift their eyes heavenwards." This is meant to remind us of the final objective of the entire creation - to recognize the source of the blessing and to what it aspires.
Rain in Israel (17)
Rabbi Uzi Kalchaim zt"l
4 - The Blessing from Above
5 - A Shared Blessing
6 - The Blessing of Rain for All
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P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 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
