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- Chemdat Yamim
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If one takes the p’sukim at face value, there does not seem to be a connection between the two topics. One rule has to do with avoiding an overwhelmingly holy place that happens to have been a mountain. The other seems to deal with a technical concern to avoid something unseemly when one properly ascends the mizbe’ach. However, let us explore a homiletic idea that will add a further aspect to our appreciation of these topics.
The Meshech Chochma (Shemot 19:22) raises the idea that those closest to Hashem are liable to receive severe punishment for their sins. As Hashem knew that shortly after the giving of the Torah, Bnei Yisrael would sin with the Golden Calf, He was concerned about the severity of the punishment that would be needed. Had Bnei Yisrael been allowed to go up the mountain and be exposed to Divine Revelation in an even more profound manner than they actually were, their level of culpability would have been so great as to mandate full destruction. Therefore, Hashem prevented them from attaining a dangerously high spiritual level. Indeed, unchecked rapid spiritual growth can cause a precipitous spiritual fall if proper spiritual protections are missing. As mentioned above, going up the mountain could have caused the fall of many and/or the great.
The Divine Presence that rested on Sinai later departed and appeared on the mizbe’ach of the Mishkan and the Beit Hamikdash. Following the Meshech Chochma’s lead, we can conclude that there too it is important to check how we go up to the altar. To understand how that might apply, let us look at the Kli Yakar on the concept of uncovering oneself when walking on steps. He says that this alludes to haughtiness, as Chazal say that one who is haughty is like one who carries out sins of incest or promiscuousity. In Mishpatim, we learn that the Sanhedrin was placed near the altar to teach us that the same need of humility is required regarding judgment as well.
If one is elevated too fast he may stumble in his self-image and suffer from over-confidence as if that is his natural position. This can lead even or especially a person of stature to a situation that is comparable to promiscuity and in some cases to promiscuity itself.
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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)
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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
