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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- D'varim
- D'varim
The book of Dvarim suffered differing fates over the millennia of Jewish life. In the Book of Mlachim we read that it was apparently hidden away from public view and perhaps even knowledge for a period of time until it was rediscovered by the High Priest Chilkiyah during the reign of the King of Judah, Yoash. Scholars have long wrestled with the problem of how such an occurrence could have happened - an entire book of the Torah lost and forgotten from public view and knowledge. Many theories have been advanced but I know of no satisfactory answer to this occurrence, except for the simple truth that if attention is not paid to the Torah then it may disappear even from the midst of the kingdom of Judah. Perhaps because of this occurrence, Moshe described for us the mitzvah of hakhel that occurred once ever seven years when the king of Israel would read the entire book of Dvarim to the assembled masses of Israel that assembled in the Holy Temple’s courtyard for the occasion. He foresaw that there would be a day that Dvarim would be forgotten - it is not pleasant to listen to criticism, to be reminded of faults and lost opportunities. People prefer to put such scrolls away in storage and not be troubled by them. Therefore at least once every seven years the people have to be reminded of the contents of the book of Dvarim. The book of Dvarim is the wakeup call to the Jewish people - remember what happened and don’t repeat those errors once again.
The Jewish people have a custom that on the night of Hoshana Rabah, the conclusion of the Days of Judgment and Mercy, the book of Dvarim is read publicly. This is undoubtedly a remembrance of the mitzvah of hakhel in Temple times. But it is more than that. It is the penance of the Jewish people for once having dared to think that the book of Dvarim could safely have been forgotten. It is our form of apology to Moshe for ignoring all of his final words to us and for allowing ourselves to be deluded into thinking that we could pick and choose between the words of the Torah and adopt only those phrases that were pleasant to our ears and soothing to our egos. The book of Dvarim is read in the late summer months - a time of vacations and a slowing of life’s usual hectic pace. Because of this, the book of Dvarim does not perhaps receive the attention it deserves in our lives and souls. Its reading occurs at a wrong time in our calendar of yearly life. Too bad, for it really is important for us to study and absorb the lessons of this great and holy book. Moshe speaks to all generations. We should pay attention to his words
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
