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The Rashbam understands the matter differently. It is the judges (called here and elsewhere "elohim") who are being protected, as the deceased’s relatives may curse them for their judgment. He does not see it as having to do with a connection between man and Hashem. The Ibn Ezra says that "the curse of Hashem" refers to the reason that the person was hung, which is either because he cursed Hashem or committed idolatry. Leaving him there too long for people to talk is also an affront to Hashem.
The Ramban relates the matter to human dignity, even of the rightfully executed. However, he stresses that having the hung taken down applies only in Eretz Yisrael. The Holy Land should not be defiled by this unsightly matter, "for it is the place where He commanded the blessing, life forever."
At the end of Shmuel, an event that seems to violate human dignity in the Land appears. Hashem commanded David to hand over to the Givonites seven of Shaul’s descendants to avenge the atrocity against them in which Shaul was involved. After their execution, Shaul’s family was left hanging for months. The Ramban says that, in fact, the Givonites had acted against the practice of a Jewish court. The Ramban says that Hashem didn’t forgive Shaul’s family right away and gave the sign of forgiveness only after time. This was done to teach the importance of the honor of the convert (the Givonites), which is a very prominent in our hierarchy of values.
Let us return to Rashi’s approach, regarding the connection between honor of mankind and of Hashem. The famous Holocaust writer, Elie Weisel, tells a haunting story. After a beastly Nazi hanging ceremony in Auschwitz, one Jew asked another: "Where is G-d?" His friend responded: "He is here, hanging." This answer contains an awesome lesson. Whoever treats people the way the Nazis did, not only loses his human dignity and removes himself from the family of mankind, but also tries to hurt Hashem and, Heaven forbid, remove Him from the world.
Specifically in these times, let us internalize the Torah’s lesson that we can help the Divine Presence dwell among us by safeguarding the honor of the Creator, of judges, of mankind, of the Land, and of the convert.
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)
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.
