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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Korach
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
Korach and his close associates were joined by a group of 250 prominent people. Moshe challenged them to sacrifice incense in troughs of copper. As a result, the opposition of Moshe and Aharon were killed by a fire from Heaven. In the aftermath, Moshe was told to take the copper remains and turn them into a netting around the altar to serve as a reminder that those are not from the family of Aharon not step forward to bring incense in the sanctuary (Bamidbar 17: 1-5). While the idea was a Divine decree, there was a clear message that the story of Korach’s rebellion not be forgotten. Moshe took a bold step in using copper in another context. He accepted the mirrors that women had brought in order to use for the washing cup (kiyor) (Shemot 38:8). He felt this was appropriate despite the connection of the mirrors with arguable vanity and physical attractions, thereby showing his high regard for the women. The kiyor served as a constant reminder, along with the other copper reminder of the dangers of the rebellious dignitaries of Korach.
The broader and bolder than expected use of copper is notably present in the Beit Hamikdash built by Shlomo as well. The following structures in the courtyard of the Temple are found in the sources: 1) Two enormous copper pillars (around the size of a four-story building) named Yachin and Boaz were erected (Melachim I, 7:15-22). 2) There were ten copper washing cups instead of the one in the Mishkan. 3) Each of the cups had a large and elaborate copper basin. 4) A large pool made of copper known as the yam was erected, which also added some type of purification element. 5) Twelve replicas of cattle were displayed, three in each direction, in the courtyard, as a remembrance of the Israelite encampment in the desert.
What is fascinating about all of these copper utensils and structures is that they do not follow the instructions for the Mishkan as found in the Torah and are not mentioned in the list of utensils and materials that David left for his son based on Divine instruction (see Divrei Hayamim I, 28:12-19). From where did Shlomo get the idea and the gall to introduce these elements?
It is very possible that the precedent for these additions was in Moshe’s special use of copper in the courtyard of the Mishkan, which was an inspiration to not only use the copper as a historical remembrance but as model of future behavior.
Let us pray that we will have the merit to be involved in the complete rebuilding of the Beit Hamikdash with all of its basic elements and all of its additions
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 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)
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
