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The Rashbam says that the miracles for Avraham motivated Avimelech. However, one can also identify a political purpose. The previous story tells about Avraham sending away Hagar (the daughter of Paroh) and Yishmael. This certainly cooled relations between Avraham and the Egyptians. The Plishtim, rivals of the Egyptians for the international route through their land, grabbed the opportunity to strengthen their ties with Avraham. As a result, Avraham advanced his monotheism movement in the south of Israel.
Despite the accomplishment, the Rashbam strongly criticizes Avraham. He made a peace treaty with his descendants’ future enemies, thus delaying his descendants’ ability to take over the Land when the time came. Therefore, Hashem made things difficult for Avraham (the akeida). The Rashbam strengthens his thesis with a midrash. The seven months that the aron was under Plishti control, the seven wars in which the Plishtim defeated the Jews, and the seven tzaddikim who thereby died correspond to the seven sheep that Avraham presented to Avimelech during their treaty. These were terrible consequences for Avraham’s descendants from a deal that, despite containing important religious achievements, was improper.
The Ramban, though, viewed this episode positively, as an example of Israelite relations with kings that allow the former to stay in their Land. How can the Ramban answer the Rashbam’s arguments? We have shown elsewhere that the Ramban made the following assumption that is supported by modern archeological discovery. The Plishtim of the patriarchs’ time were not the nation who later fought with Israel as they settled the Land after leaving Egypt. The former Plishtim were descendants of Cham; the latter were Kaftorim who came from the area of Cretes and conquered the coastal planes of the Negev and inward. This approach is supported by a gemara (Chulin 60b), which says that after Avraham made an agreement with Avimelech, Hashem had the Kaftorim conquer and pave the way for Israel to eventually take over the Land. If so, there was no contradiction between what Avraham promised and what Yehoshua had to carry out.
Let us pray that Hashem will lead the hearts and actions of our leaders, who are involved in international negotiations, to avoid agreements that contradict our mitzva to control the Land, as the famous passage of the Ramban confirms we are obligated to do.
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)
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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.
