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Beit Midrash
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What is the message that lies in this call of Moshe to heaven and earth? The Torah after all does not engage in needless hyperbole. I sense that the Torah comes to point out to us the unnatural state of existence of the Jewish people throughout the centuries.
Just as there is a visible order and food chain in nature so too does there appear to be such an order in human history and its processes of civilization. Even the strongest and largest empires and superpowers eventually weaken and disappear from the stage of human events.
There is apparently a food chain that applies to nations and ideologies as well. The heavens and their galaxies, stars, planets and suns operate with an unchanging exactitude that influences human lives here on our small planet.
The earth revolves on its axis in an exactitude that preserves it from the fire of the sun and the frost of space. The opinion of Rambam is that the laws of nature are eternal and immutable.
The so-called miracles that occur within nature are built into nature itself and are not to be seen as violations of the laws of nature themselves. The heavens and earth are governed by laws that never change and this type of inexorable law also applies to human history and events.
To all of this idea that there is nothing exceptional in nature and in human events there is one great exception - that of the story of the Jewish people over all of its millennia of existence.
The continuing wonder of Jewish existence and resilience in the face of impossible conditions and brutal enemies, of internal weaknesses and divisions, and external foes who proclaim their intent to destroy the Jewish people and state, is the greatest proof of the eternal existence of the covenant between God and the Jewish people.
Rabbi Moshe ben Nachman in his debate with the Church and Jewish apostates in 1263 Barcelona stated that the greatest proof of the uniqueness of the Jewish people is its survival against all odds. How much more would he insist on the correctness of this argument today, almost eight centuries later.
It is the very regularity of heaven and earth and all of nature that they govern that serves as the counterpoint for the inexplicable and unnatural existence and creativity in world history and affairs.
The Jews are the exceptional unique people in the world and their exceptional existence is based completely upon God’s covenant with them. Thus the heavens and the earth are the correct and natural witnesses to the supernatural existence and triumph of Israel over the long centuries. Moshe’s witnesses and covenant remain firm until today.
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
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)
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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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
