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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- The Four Parshiyot
- Sh'kalim
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
After determining the logic of each opinion, let us try to see the basis and lesson of the machloket. All agree that we read Parashat Shekalim because during the upcoming month, the population would give the half-shekel for public sacrifices that would be given during the new year starting with Nisan. Nowadays we continue the practice of reminding ourselves about the half-shekel and then, before Purim, give it as a reminder of the mitzva to be renewed when the Beit Hamikdash will be rebuilt. Rav says that since the need for the korbanot (and the fact that they must be bought from new donations) is stated in Pinchas, that is what should be read. Shmuel says that since the commandment to give the donation is found in Ki Tisa, that is what we read.
What is the logic behind the machloket? Rav puts the stress on the need for the donation, i.e., what it would be used for and why it had to be donated now. This could encourage compliance and help focus people on noble intentions. Shmuel, whose opinion we follow, put the stress on the importance of the donation in and of itself. Certainly, out of all of Bnei Yisrael, it should not have been a problem to find enough donations to provide the resources for the communal sacrifices. The matter was to make the most of the communal element of the practice. Firstly, the efficacy of the korbanot as engendering the sentiments of service of Hashem needed to be addressed. Secondly, as the Sefer Hachinuch (#105) points out, Hashem did a chesed with every individual Jew by allowing him to take a full part in the great service in the Beit Hamikdash. Even the richest person would not have an upper hand over the poorest in this element.
Regarding korbanot, it is important to internalize the lesson on a deep psychological level. Idol worshippers think of their gods as powerful beings that needed to be appeased with offerings they "enjoy." Believers in an all powerful and moral G-d understand that the service is an opportunity for us to connect ourselves to Him. Here we are reminded that within our nation, the responsibility to take part in seeing to it that the service can be completed is more than a responsibility but a valuable opportunity. The concept of empowerment through giving is true regarding all forms of donations, from religious ones to charity for the destitute.
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)
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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)
