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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
The following approach to the issue is based on Assufot Ma’arachot, by Rav Chaim Y. Goldwicht. The Sefat Emet has an important explanation of the mishna in Avot: "If I am not for me, who is for me, and when I am for myself, what am I?" Every person has a unique role that only he can play. Thus, if he is not himself, no one will be him. On the other hand, when he focuses his efforts only on his own development, he misses the point. A person’s service of Hashem should be focused on the joint development of the nation, all of whose members are focused on the one goal of serving Hashem, even as their methods differ.
When sinning, one focuses on personal desires. People team up only to maximize the desire. Idol worship appears to be an exception to this phenomenon, as one gives of himself to a perceived deity. In truth though, one chooses an idol and views it in a manner that appeals to him. Thus, when Bnei Yisrael stumbled through idol worship, they desired many forms of idolatry. The basic purpose in making the Golden Calf was to find an alternative way to serve Hashem. However, they did it in a way that showed their individual desires rather submitting to serve Hashem as He prescribed.
The solution that brought out the proper approach was symbolized in the giving of their jewelry. Jewelry’s function is to accentuate a person’s individuality. They had given it up before, but with an intention to serve their personal desires. Now they took the opportunity to give nezamim to nullify their personal desires and follow Hashem’s specific designs.
Another pasuk in Hoshea (2:1), which the midrash brings in relation to this repentance, brings home this idea. "The number of Bnei Yisrael will be like the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted, and it will be at the place that it will be said to them, ‘you are not My nation,’ it will be said to them, ‘the sons of a live G-d.’" In other words, the nation is made up of countless individuals. When they sin, they lose national unity; when they refocus, the multitudes will at once all be sons of Hashem and will not be counted as separate units but as a unified force.
Various Rabbis
Various Rabbis including those of of Yeshivat Bet El, such as Rabbi Chaim Katz, Rabbi Binyamin Bamberger and Rabbi Yitzchak Greenblat and others.
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: A Crown and its Scepter – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 294-5
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)
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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
