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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
The Rambam says that Mashiach will restore the dynasty of David, rebuild the Mikdash (Temple), ingather the exiles, and renew the mitzvot that fell into disuse during the time the Mikdash was destroyed (sacrifices, Shemitta, yovel ...). He says that whoever denies Mashiach’s coming not only denies the Prophets’ words but also the Torah’s. One of the places where the Torah refers to Mashiach is our parasha, Balak. In his prophecies about the future, Bilam talks successively about the triumphs of King David and of Mashiach. "I see it and it is not now" refers to David; "I view it and it is not close" refers to Mashiach. "A star will appear from Yaakov" refers to David; "A tribe will arise in Israel" refers to Mashiach. The Rambam presents additional verses referring to each and substantiates their relationships to the leaders. This alternating presentation of the two periods portrays Mashiach as a reflection of the period of King David. This stress in the Rambam’s approach comes to strengthen two of his important theses.
Firstly, every major idea must have a source in the Torah; the Prophets cannot introduce entirely new ideas alone. The second is that the Rambam accepts the Amora, Shmuel’s opinion that in Mashiach’s time nature will follow its normal patterns. The difference in the period is that the world will no longer subjugate the Jewish Nation. Accordingly, prophecies such as "the wolf will live with the lamb" can be understood only as parables, in that case, of cooperation between nations. The Rambam (Melachim 12:1) says that these parables’ exact meaning will be fully clarified only then.
The Ra’avad argues and says that the laws of nature will change in Mashiach’s time and that the p’sukim are for the most part intended literally. Therefore, when Yeshaya says that Mashiach will "smell with the fear of G-d and will not judge by the sight of his eye..." this is a real test. He posits (ad loc. 13:3) that it was used to evaluate the possibility of Bar Kochva being Mashiach (he failed). To the Rambam’s rule that the Prophets cannot introduce new concepts the Ra’avad responds that the Torah discussed a change in nature when it said, "I will remove bad animals from the land" (Vayikra 26:6), which he takes to mean that predators will become tame. The Rambam will explain that the development of human society will cause wild animals to retreat from human inhabitation. The Ramban has a third approach, that the violence of the animals will disappear from the Land, as it was in Adam’s time, whenever the people will be free of sin.
Let us hope to find out soon which opinion is correct.
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)
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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
