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But there was a ray of light emanating from all of this frustration - this brilliant article emerged from the dark recesses of my brain. By painful and exacting scientific research I discovered that the fault with the oil cups lay not with the oil but rather with the wicks. They just don’t draw the oil very well. And no matter how perfect the oil may be, poor wicks will frustrate lighting the holy lights every time. I think that is somewhat true of our current Jewish society as well. We possess an almost inexhaustible supply of great oil - Torah knowledge, scholars, talent and numbers. But most of it somehow never sees the light of day. There are not enough efficient wicks - teachers, rabbis, heroes, leaders - that are willing and able to extract the oil and transform it into lights to guide and illuminate us. Leadership cannot be taught but it certainly can be nurtured and encouraged. There has to be incentive not only to fill the cup of oil and gain great Torah knowledge for one’s self but also as importantly to become a wick and spread the light of Torah to a people mainly ignorant of its heritage and glorious past and demanding destiny. And to do so young scholars and potential leaders have to be willing to seemingly sacrifice some of their own schedules and spiritual comforts in order to serve the God and people of Israel. Concern for the spiritual welfare of other Jews is a supreme value that must be reinforced at every level of our educational system. "If I am only for myself, then what am I?" Hillel was interested not only in the oil but in the wicks as well.
The commentators point out that the miracle of the Chanuka lights in the Temple was a later replay of the miracle of Elisha with the widow of the prophet Ovadia. There Elisha told her to amass vessels - unlimited in amount - in order to start the oil pouring from the small flask of oil that she had in her house. He told her not to be stingy or cautious about the number of vessels that she acquired. She did so, at least to her mind and satisfaction, borrowing great numbers of vessels from her neighbors and friends and miraculously the small flask of oil was able to fill all of the vessels that she had on hand. Excitedly, she watched the oil that would save her and her family from poverty and servitude pour into the vessels. When she asked for more vessels to fill with the oil, her children told her that there were no more vessels. Immediately the oil stopped flowing. There is no shortage of miraculous oil that the Jewish people possess. It only lacks vessels, wicks that contain the oil and bring light and radiance to others. This is also a frustrating task, convincing people of the necessary altruism to help others also have some oil and spiritual light in their lives. But I think that this is part of the lesson that the Hasmoneans intended to impart to us. May the recently departed lights of Chanuka continue to illuminate our path in goodness and health.
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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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.
