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- Parashat Hashavua
The early commentators suggested different explanations for this phrase. Ibn Ezra relates the phrase to the descendants of those killed 40 years earlier, who did not restore past Egyptian glory. The Ramban expands this, saying that the name of those who had the gall to chase after those redeemed by Hashem was permanently destroyed. The Ramban, though, does not see the scriptural basis for these ideas. He suggests that the lasting destruction refers to the previously legendary Egyptian fleet of horses and chariots, which never recovered. This is a sign of the lowliness of Egyptian society after 40 years of potential recovery time.
The Meshech Chochma paves a different "path through the sea." He says that Moshe was combating those who said that the splitting of the sea was an event that was reconcilable with nature by means of ebbs and flows. Moshe sent Bnei Yisrael to check if in the course of the subsequent 40 years, the phenomenon had occurred and reported that the event was unique "until this day." This proved that the event was a Divine miracle.
This point reminds us of a major philosophical debate. How should one relate to an apparently unexplainable miracle? One approach is that a miracle is a Divine divergence from the laws of nature and that it is inappropriate to look for a natural explanation. Another understanding is that the unusual events were prepared from the time of creation to occur as a built-in exception. A third approach is that there are physical explanations for miracles based on natural forces. For example, a volcanic eruption could have caused a thick veil of ashes that could have blackened Egypt. For it to have come at the time Moshe said it would made it a miracle. According to the final approach, we would not care if tides and winds could split the sea. Each approach will read our p’sukim differently.
Let us remember that we believe in the Creator’s Divine Providence in all of the miracles that have occurred to our nation in our times - according to whatever approach above one takes. We recall the rule that "whoever does not believe in miracles in the Middle East is not a realist."
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)
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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)
