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Beit Midrash
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- Rain in Israel
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Rabbi Uzi Kalcheim, zt”l
Because we live in a developing region with a growing population, our need for water is ever growing. Our agriculture is not stagnant; it does not remain on a primitive level that demands little water. It is dynamic and active. It thrives and innovates in many areas. Therefore, we must learn how to make the most efficient use possible of our water sources.
But we must understand that this is not our problem alone, a problem of the State of Israel; rather, it is a problem that affects our whole region. And in truth, when we speak about peace, and before we speak about peace, we must speak about living together, knowing how to live together.
The Midrash relates a story about a non-Jew who asks R' Yehoshua ben Korcha a question: "You have your holidays, and we have our holidays. When you rejoice we do not rejoice; when we rejoice you do not rejoice. When do we ever rejoice together?"
If we try, we can find all sorts of parallel holidays: We have Pesach (Passover) and they have "Pascha" (Easter); we have Chanukah and they have other holidays. We are unable to rejoice on their holidays, for we cannot relate to them at all. Is there, then, no occasion on which we rejoice together?
"He answered, '[We rejoice together] when the rain falls.' Why is this? 'The meadows are clothed with flocks; the valleys are covered over with corn; they shout for joy, yea, they sing' " (Psalms 65:14).
Rain in Israel (17)
Rabbi Uzi Kalchaim zt"l
5 - A Shared Blessing
6 - The Blessing of Rain for All
7 - The Condensed Blessing
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The Midrash continues:
"What is written after this? 'Shout unto God, all the earth.' It is not written ['Shout unto God] Priests, Levites, and Israelites,' but 'Shout . . . all the earth!' "
In other words, when we see heavenly blessing bestowed upon the earth, we see a shared joy, a joy that embraces everybody - man, animal, and, of course, the different nations. Therefore, true joy comes when the rain falls, for rain benefits us all, and allows all creatures to live and thrive.
The Almighty does not take pleasure in destroying the world. Therefore, before we talk about peace, we must speak about a just distribution of water. And if our enemies are unwilling to speak to us about water, about a fair division of water in our region, if they do not wish to pursue life, the preservation of life, but opt for the abolition of life, we must seek out an occasion for shared joy, as the non-Jew asks R' Yehoshua, "Is there no occasion on which we both rejoice?"
This is a heavenly blessing, for God nourishes and sustains all, "from the horns of the antelope to the eggs of the lice." He bestows life upon the entire creation. We, for our part, have to learn how to live together. If we so choose, we can live a rich and blessed life; we can share the bounty that God bequeaths upon us all, 'Shout unto God, all the earth.' All of humankind must rejoice in God's goodness and in the bounty that descends upon the earth.
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
