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- Rain in Israel
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Rabbi Uzi Kalchaim, zt"l
1. It can be seen as relating to the manner in which it falls, "with might, so that the drops penetrate the soil and saturate it."
2. From the perspective of its purpose. "Rainfall is most beneficial," for it sustains creation (Rambam, Mishnah Commentary, Berakhot 5:2).
Rain in Israel (17)
Rabbi Uzi Kalchaim zt"l
10 - The "Malkosh" - Last Rains
11 - The Might of Rain
12 - Rain...and the Coin in One's Pocket
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4. In the sense of "din," strict judgment, indicating the restriction of rainfall to its season (Shem Mishmuel, Shmini Atzeret).
5. The bounty that descends through God's kindness. Rain falls in a form that allows us to benefit from it immediately, like the manna, which fell complete and ready for consumption (Shem Mishmuel, ibid.).
6. The word "gevura," might, is encompassing and inclusive; it indicates both might and greatness (Tosafot, Taanit 2a, s.v., "Ukhtiv").
The Midrash relates: "The might of rain is difficult - it weighs equal to the entire act of creation" (Bereshit Rabba 13:4). That which completes an act is comparable to the act itself. The world is sustained through rain, and it follows that rain weighs equal to the creation of the world.
The expression "difficult," though, is puzzling. What is so "difficult" here? We find this expression used elsewhere in the Talmud, in another context: "It is as difficult to match them as it is to separate the Red Sea" (Sanhedrin 22a), and "Providing sustenance for human beings is as difficult as separating the Red Sea" (Pesachim 118a).
The expression "difficult" is used to underscore important matters, so that they not be taken for granted as a fact of nature. Because rainfall is not an inevitable fact of nature, Divine intervention is called for, and this is what is meant by "difficult."
Indeed, we find another version of this teaching elsewhere in the Talmud: "The day of rainfall is as great as the day on which heaven and earth were created" (Taanit 7a). The sages liken rain to the creation of the world: Just as the expression "gevura" is used in relation to the creation of the world, so is it used in relation to rainfall.
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)
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
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(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
