YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
- Vayeshev
- Shabbat and Holidays
- Hanukkah
- Articles about Hanukkah
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Yossef ben Simcha
If we look closely at the story of Joseph we will discover that the Torah develops this idea. And it is no coincidence that this portion is read at Chanukah time; this proximity contains an important lesson.
When the Torah describes the pit into which Joseph was thrown, it says "The well was empty; there was no water in it" (Genesis 37:23). The sages explain, "There was no water in it – but it did contain snakes and scorpions." Outwardly this verse presents a description of reality, but it also contains a great and lofty idea.
"Water," in prophetic literature, is an allusion to the essence of Jewish life – the Torah. And if somebody thinks that it is possible to detach oneself from the Torah and to replace it with some other culture, he is mistaken: If there is no water, there will be snakes and scorpions. If the Jewish people do not fill their hearts with divine content – the only content that provides us with a truly good and happy life – in its place will come "snakes and scorpions," i.e., moral bankruptcy and corruption, all sorts of infirmities, and a loss of the true Israeli nature.
This is what happened in the days of Chanukah. The Hellenists believed that they could exchange the faith of Israel with Greek philosophy; but this, in fact, only led to "snakes and scorpions." Today, too, to our great chagrin, some people would like to blur the identity of our nation so that it resemble other nations. This is a terrible mistake, and we can see the results for ourselves – the rise in violence among teenagers and the collapse of numerous behavioral norms.
This Chanukah, may God help us draw strength and spiritual fortitude from the spirit of the Maccabees who stood up to the Greeks and the Hellenists. May we be strengthened through the Torah, and may we come to realize that only in this manner will we succeed in strengthening the spiritual state of our youth. Let us strive to give a Jewish character to our state and let us elevate the national spirit and fill it with the strength needed to face of all those who rise up against us.
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)
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
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.
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
