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Beit Midrash
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The month has a title to it. It is not merely the month of Cheshvan. It is Mar Cheshvan. The word "mar" has a number of different interpretations. It is usually interpreted here as meaning drops of water. The month of Mar Cheshvan hopefully serves as the bountiful introduction to a plentiful rainy season here in Israel. We hope that our prayer for rain recited on Shmini Atzeret/Simchat Torah has been accepted and graciously answered. We currently are suffering from a shortage of water. Our lakes and aquifers are dangerously close to being empty and so we implore Heaven in the month of Cheshvan to send us Mar - many millions of drops of water to nourish our soil and sustain our agriculture. In effect we are stating that this month should be called "watery" Cheshvan. The word mar is also a title of respect. It is used often and regularly is the Talmud to refer to great personages and sometimes to the editor of the Talmud itself. It is a term of honor and even affection. It is granted to this month of Cheshvan due to its singular place in the year’s calendar, being so closely associated with the great months of holiness and holidays that preceded it. In effect it is now called "sir" or "mister" Cheshvan, a special title of respect and honor to accompany a month that otherwise some may have allowed to pass unnoticed on the yearly calendar.
The Hebrew word "mar" also means bitter or disappointing. We describe foods with a bitter taste as being "mar" or "marir" or on the night of the Pesach Seder as being "maror." Though this is certainly not the main intent of the word as it appears in conjunction with the month of Cheshvan, since we never wish or even express descriptions of a bitter month, nevertheless there is a tinge of sadness and letdown associated with the advent of this month. It is difficult to climb down from the highs of Tishrei and its inspirational holidays, family gatherings, beautiful and meaningful synagogue services and a generally special atmosphere. How to climb down gracefully and successfully from such a spiritual and emotional high is not always an easy or smooth exercise. It requires some sort of long range perspective. To be able to live a balanced life one must attempt to limit one’s highs and lows, to be less volatile and much more steady in one’s view of life and one’s behavior. So a little taste of disappointment even of some bitterness is to be expected and dealt with properly. And this is also part of the message of this month of Mar Cheshvan.
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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.
