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Beit Midrash
- Shabbat and Holidays
- Jewish Holidays
- IDF Memorial Day
Jewish tradition has developed a system of memory and remembrance for its martyrs and heroes. It is understated and without the requirement of speeches. It encourages inner analysis and improvmernt, thoughgt and understanding. It emphasizes the fragility of life and the uncertainty of seeming security. It highlights the interdependence of Jews one upon another. It does not unduly glorify the art of war but it does not shirk from realizing its omnipresence and effects in Jewish history. Judaism remembers people, admires sacrifice and cherishes life. Our time allows for the first time in millennia the ability to defend itself against vicious enemies. Throughout the long exile of Israel only in rare instances were Jews anything but defenseless martyrs. So therefore Jews had no choice but to have a muted memorial day and service. And this muted reesponse governed Jewish remembrance ceremonies. This dovetailed exactly with the above described concepts of Jewish traditional mourning and memory. So even today when we are blesesd with a courageous and successful army that gives us an ability to defend ourselves from our enemies the day of remembrance for our fallen soldiers is much more serious, somber and perhaps meaningful fashion. I see the gradual disappearance of military parades here in Israel on special national days as also a return to a more trdational way of marking special days of remembrance and commemmoration.
In personal and private life as well, days of remembrance have special meaning and in Jewish tradition even special ritual and ceremony. Yahrzeits and days of zikaron are commemmorated with a memorial candle, the recitation of kaddish, the granting of charity to the needy, words of Torah knowledge and faith and reminscnces of the departed anf faith in the life and afterlife of the soul of the departed. In a strnge way, the day of remembrance is meant to be day of closure and even comfort and not one of scraping open old and painful wounds and memories. There is no hiding from the loss of a beloved one but the Torah demands that we progress and raise ourselves even from personal tragedy and sadness. Memorial days are hard but they are necessary and proper. Memory is meant to encourage positive action and meaningful behavior in life. Remembrance is a serious matter. So are days of memory and tradition. We should treasure such opportunities.
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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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)
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.
