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Beit Midrash
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The Or Hachayim points out that the Torah commands three successive mitzvot: coming to Israel, planting trees to provide sustenance and beautify the land, and the restriction on the fruits. The Dubna Maggid observes that just as one of God’s first actions in the Garden of Eden was planting trees, so too when we enter Eretz Israel, we must imitate Him and immediately plant trees. Settling the land of Israel is a mitzvah, and developing its economy is an integral part of this duty. But the question arises why is it so important to immediately plant after arriving in the country?
The Maggid explains that through the mitzvah of orlah the Torah teaches us an important prerequisite for successful aliyah: It is crucial that one have the proper mindset when pursuing business interests in Israel. A person must honestly decide whether he seeks financial success so that he may live a life of luxury and comfort, or whether his motive is truly le-shem shamayim, for the sake of Heaven?
Economic development in Israel is a tremendous mitzvah but it poses serious danger: "Lest you eat and are satisfied and you build homes...and you forget the Lord your God" (Deut. 8:12-14). Our parashah teaches us that when making aliyah one must not forget God. Controlling one’s desires the first three years and praising God in the fourth is meant to remind us that economic prosperity is not supposed to be a vehicle for personal aggrandizement, but a means for realizing loftier ideals.
Adam was created outside of Eden and then planted therein. Restrictions were placed on the fruit that he was permitted to eat, but he failed to observe them. It is up to the people of Israel, who were forged into a nation outside of Israel and then planted in their Garden of Eden, to repair the sin of Adam (Vayikra Rabba 25).
May it be God’s will that we succeed in living a holy and meaningful life in our potential Garden of Eden - Israel. Let us remember why we are here and have no need for external reminders!
Chana Tannenbaum teaches Torah in many different venues in Israel. She and her family made Aliyah ten years ago and live in Nof Ayalon.
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)
