In the middle section of Parashat Miketz, that root is “shever.” Not only is it used many times, but it is also used with different meanings. We will take a look at several of the contexts and learn more about this important and versatile root.
If we had dedicated ourselves to redeveloping the Nation in Eretz Yisrael, then the resettlement of the Land, in accordance with the words of the Prophets, would have filled the hearts of our people with awe, and brought wanderers back to the fold.
Taken together, Tefila, Teshuva & Tzedaka are the instruments which allow us to operate on our damaged souls & repair them, the tools with which we can rebuild – our holy relationship with Hashem.
The Halacha that synagogues should be higher than all houses in town, but not from buildings built just for decoration expresses the idea of the central place of holiness in Judaism. This value is not only decorative but applies to real life.
We might very well credit Rabbi Yehudah Liva, the legendary "Maharal of Prague," with being the first to "open the gate" and provide us with a truly penetrating look at the essence of the Sages' homiletical teachings on the Torah - the "Midrash."