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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Shlach Lecha
"Shlach". The Rav traced the events beginning with Bahaalotcha and ending in Korach, which explain the sequence surrounding the story of the Meraglim. Needless to say it is impossible to present them in the short space allotted for this Dvar Torah. I therefore have chosen to present one point of the Rav’s discussion, which I believe is very relevant to our situation in Eretz Yisrael today.
The Rav ztl, asked why Hashem chose to command the Mitzvah of Challah after the events of the Meraglim. Would it not have been more appropriate to place this mitzvah together with the other tithes that Hashem commanded us to give - namely Trumot and Maasrot.
The difference between them is that while we plant and reap the fruits of the earth, the finished product is not up to us but to Hashem. Whereas in the case of challah , we take the raw materials with which Hashem endowed us and we produce the finished product. Trumot and Maasrot are a "Chovat Hakarka", a requirement of the growth, which Hashem produces. Challah is a requirement of the results of our own creation.
The Rav told the story from the Midrash which recounts the discussion between Turnus Rufus and Rabbi Akiva.Turnus Rufus asked Rabbi Akiva if Hashem detests the uncircumcised why did He not create man circumcised from birth. Rabbi Akiva answered him by asking him what is preferable, the grain or the cookie. Turnus Drufus replied that the product was more desireable. Rabbi Akiva then responded that we do not find cookies growing on trees. Hashem provides us with the raw materials and it is our responsibility to seize the opportunity to use these materials in order to create. So it is with circumcision.
The Mitzva of Challah teaches us that prosperity is earned based on our willingness to share the product of our efforts.
So it is with Eretz Yisrael. The meraglim failed to understand that the ‘Segulah " - "Uniqueness" of Eretz Yisrael should be united with the "Segulah" "Uniqueness"of
Am Yisrael. Moshe Rabeinu wanted the Meraglim to see the connection between Eretz Yisrael and Am Yisrael. It is only through this awareness that Eretz Yisrael becomes our Eretz Zavat Chalav U’Dvash. The effort that we put into creating a unique Eretz Yisrael will determine whether Eretz Yisrael becomes our land and heritage.
Igrot Hare’aya Excitement over a Friend’s New Newspaper – #319
Date and Place: 4 Menachem Av 5670 (1910), Rechovot
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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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
