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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Vayikra
- Behar
Following the Midrash, Rashi says that we learn from here that just as all the general rules and minute details of Shemita were ordained on Mt. Sinai, so too all the rules and details of the other commandments were given there as well.
Fully accepting this explanation, the Or HaChayyim HaKadosh points out that we must still understand why this general lesson was taught specifically in the context of the mitzvah of Shemita. He explains that the Torah wished to stress the linkage between Sinai and the gift of the Land of Israel, as the passage opens: "... When you come to the Land which I am giving you, then shall the land keep a sabbath to the Lord."
The promise of the land is anchored in the very story of creation (see Rashi's first comment on the Torah), and yet it is only via Sinai that this promise is to be fulfilled.
To this powerful message, I would like to add the following observation:
The Torah speaks here in the present tense: "the Land which I am giving you"- God's gift is an ongoing one.
God is always ready and prepared to hand us His land, provided that we are there , ready to receive it, actively taking part in its redemption.
When we receive e-mail messages notifying us that we have won millions, we instinctively press 'delete' and move on. This Shabbat as we read of God's promise of Eretz Yisrael we must not do the same! For if God sees that we are rejecting his gift, might He not pass it on to another nation?!
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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)
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)
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
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
