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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
Sefer Devarim includes Moshe’s "parting speech," a review of many of the Torah’s laws, and additional mitzvot. We refer to it as "mishneh Torah" (whose possible explanations include review and addition). Moshe speaks in the sefer in the first person, in contrast to the manner that exists in the rest of the Torah. As we know that this sefer is Divinely given just as the others, we wonder why it was presented in a different manner.
The Sifrei (Devarim 1) says that the term "hadevarim asher diber Moshe" indicates that they contain Moshe’s rebuke. The Midrash Tannaim (Devarim 1:1) says on these words that Moshe’s rebuke was dear to Hashem like the Ten Commandments (both are referred to as "devarim"). R. Yishmael (ibid.) points out that in some ways Moshe’s rebuke was more powerful. Soon after Bnei Yisrael received the Ten Commandments, they sinned with the Golden Calf, whereas Moshe’s words kept Bnei Yisrael in a state of clinging to Hashem for a long time. For that reason Moshe was honored to have the words recorded in his name.
Let us explain as follows. The Torah is not a history of mankind or the Jewish People but the story of Hashem’s revelation to the world. Bereishit teaches that Hashem created the world and revealed Himself to our forefathers as individuals. The next sefarim teach that Hashem’s Presence dwelled on a nation, whom He redeemed from Egypt to give the Torah.
How do we know that the events at Sinai have a continuation, that we can accept the Torah in every generation, and that the continuing connection through the prophets strengthens the bond? It is Devarim that connects between that which is presented as classic Torah from Hashem and the Torah that is presented by Moshe in the first person. This paves the way for the presentation of other messages through the auspices of the prophets.
What do we do without prophecy? Along the above lines, we can say that Torah Sheb’al Peh (the Oral Law) is a direct outgrowth of the phenomenon of Mishneh Torah. Fittingly, the basis of the Oral Law is called Mishnah. Devarim is to the first four books as the Six Books of Mishnah are to the whole of Torah Sheb’al Peh, all of which are Sinaitic. Moshe taught that an "eternal life he planted within us." We have the power to continue, create, and develop within Torah’s framework, each of us according to his abilities.
May we succeed in continuing Moshe’s legacy of planting fruit-bearing Torah in Jews’ hearts.
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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)
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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
