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Beit Midrash
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One can suggest that the voice just refers to the content of Hashem’s commandments. However, the midrash (Devarim Rabba 7:1) hints at a different idea: "Whoever listens to the kol of Torah in this world will merit to hear that kol of rejoicing and happiness, of groom and bride (Yirmiyah 33)." Our pasuk is brought as confirmation of this idea. The happy kol we are promised is not referring to following the content of the happiness but of experiencing the sound and the mood that accompany good times. It is also noteworthy that the midrash does not talk about the kol of Hashem but the kol of Torah. Granted, the Torah is Divine in origin and thus the content of the Torah is the content of Hashem’s Will. However, when focusing on the experience, not the content, the kol of the Torah has a somewhat different application. Notice also that Moshe stresses that which the people are being commanded "today," forty years after many of them had actually heard the voice of Hashem when He addressed them at Sinai.
These observations add weight to the Me’am Lo’ez’s (Ki Tavo 18) thesis that the midrash’s understanding of the p’sukim refers to one who listens to Torah without comprehending what he hears. The experience of just listening to the sound of Torah study creates an atmosphere that influences a person and inspires him to strive for improved observance. This idea also connects the passage in the midrash to the previous one: "Whoever enters synagogues and study halls in this world will merit to enter synagogues and study halls in the world to come." The term of entering these places seems strange, as the point should be to engage in meaningful prayer and study. This source too stresses putting oneself in the uplifting atmosphere and meriting that blessed experience in the future.
An uplifting mood and atmosphere is of limited value if it does not lead to a fulfillment of "to observe to perform all of the commandments." However, for many people the key ingredient in reaching that level of observance is not the absorption of intellectual material but connecting oneself to settings where he can feel the sanctity of the Torah that Hashem kindly gave us.
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)
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
