YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Shmot
- Va'era
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
One can claim that the Torah uses the verb "to give" in this context because this is not a normal inheritance. Firstly, Hashem obviously did not die. Also, His "property" is not fully divided up among a group of inheritors, so Hashem must determine what to give as an inheritance and what to not give as inheritance.
The Netivot Shalom points out that giving has different connotations than inheritance. Giving indicates a more worthy recipient. Firstly, he needs to deserve to receive it. Secondly, the Netivot Shalom demonstrates how, according to Jewish thought, the recipient is one who enjoys and appreciates that which he receives, which is not necessarily the case regarding inheritance. What he does not highlight is what if any advantages there are for morasha.
I heard from Rav Hershel Schachter shlita that morasha is not just an inheritance that one may receive but if he desires he can thereafter dispose of. Rather it is a legacy that one is required to cling to and will be connected to him even if he tries to rid himself of it. While the thing needs to be given, it is something that is not received as a simple present but as a legacy. It is also something that we receive because of our familial connection. As the pasuk (ibid.) indicates the generation that entered Eretz Yisrael did not receive the Land in its own merit. Rather, the people were the inheritors of the forefathers to whom it was promised and who received it as a gift due to their virtue.
One should note that another prominent "gift" that Bnei Yisrael received that also is called a morasha is the Torah (Devarim 33:4). Torah, of course, is not just a privilege but is a grave and permanent responsibility. Torah and Eretz Yisrael share something else. They are the only two things in this world that, according to the gemara (Berachot 5a), are given through hardship. Indeed, these are hardships that are not only worthwhile to undergo but those that we are responsible to undergo in order to live up to our legacy.
In an age when people are used to receiving presents that are expected to make our lives easier or more fun, it is important to remember that the gift of legacies that are significant beyond compare are worth the trouble they entail and dedication they require.
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)
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: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
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)
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.
