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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Balak
"For from the peak of rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him: it is a people that shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations. ... Let me die the death of the righteous and let my end be like his."
Bilaam serves as the paradigm of the non-Jew who sees the Jewish people in their ideal state and yearns to be like them. Later he utters his famous praise "How goodly are your tents, Yaacov; your dwellings Yisrael." From Bilaam's perspective, the Jewish people have erected a perfect society which - at least in that moment - he yearns to join.
The Baal HaTurim points out on the words "am levadad yishkon" - a people that shall dwell alone - that there are seven "crowns" on the letter shin in the word yishkon symbolizing the seven nations in whose land Yisrael will dwell; and that the word "levadad" is the numerical equivalent of forty to teach that Yisrael will dwell in the Land of Israel which is a forty day journey by foot.
What is the Baal HaTurim's point? After all, Bilaam saw the Jewish people in the desert, not in their land. What is meant by these two symbols.
I believe that the seven crowns and symbolizing the seven nations symbolize paganism which must be destroyed. The "forty days journey" refers to the Torah given to Moshe after forty days on Har Sinai.
Only in our own land can we rid ourselves of dangerous foreign influences and fully commit ourselves to Torah.
The Baal HaTurim is teaching us about our ability to broadcast the message of Torah to the world. Many people think that we can best be a light unto the nations by living among them. This is a mistake. The goal of the Torah is the creation not merely of perfect people but of a perfect society. This is only possible when we have our own land.
Every religion and society has its holy men and places of worship. Our special task is to create an entire society; a government, an army, an economy, etc. that is
devoted to Torah values. Only then will the nations look to us as an example and yearn to emulate our society.
"On that day Hashem will be one and His name will be one."
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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)
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.
