Torat Eretz Yisrael: The Borders of Eretz Yisrael
In this session of our Torat Eretz Yisrael series, we explore a topic that is both essential and often misunderstood: the borders of the land. Why does Eretz Yisrael need defined boundaries? Beyond the practical needs of national security and sovereignty, these borders determine where specific land dependent mitzvot, such as Shemitah and Terumot, apply. However, when we look at the Torah, we find two seemingly contradictory maps. One describes the land of seven nations given to Bnei Yisrael under Yehoshua, while the other, promised to Avraham, encompasses ten nations. We will analyze the Ramban's explanation that these borders are [...]
The Sedra Mishpatim 5786 – Why Would Anyone Choose to be a Slave?
In this week's portion, Parshat Mishpatim, we encounter a perplexing scenario: a person who chooses to remain a slave even after their term of service has ended. Why would anyone willingly relinquish the gift of free choice? This is one of the greatest blessings Hashem has granted us. It allows us to earn rewards by overcoming obstacles and resisting the urge to sin. In this video, we examine the three steps the Torah requires for this slave: appearing before judges, standing at the doorpost, and the piercing of the ear. Each step serves as a profound rebuke. Standing at the [...]
Torat Eretz Yisrael: The Mitzvah of Living in the land of Israel
In our previous sessions, we explored the inherent sanctity of the land and the holiness of Jerusalem. Today, we turn to a practical and fundamental question: does this sanctity obligate every individual to live in Eretz Yisrael? We will examine the divergent views of the great Rishonim, specifically the Ramban, who counts living in the land as one of the 613 mitzvot, and the Rambam, who notably omits it from his list. Does the Rambam view living here as a philosophical benefit rather than a legal requirement? We also discuss the concept of a mitzvah kiyumit, an idea suggested by [...]
Torat Eretz Yisrael: the Sanctity of the Land of Israel
In this series, we will explore several sugyot essential to understanding the role of the Land of Israel in the Torah. While we may touch on Jewish philosophy, our focus will primarily be on the halachic aspects and legal terms surrounding the land. We begin with a fundamental question: what generates the sanctity of Eretz Yisrael? We will delve into the complex sugya of Kedusha Rishona and Kedusha Shniya, examining whether the sanctity established by Yehoshua was eternal or temporary. We will also look at the Rambam’s fascinating distinction between conquering land through war versus establishing ownership through Chazaka, as [...]
The Sedra Terumah 5786 – Humans, not God, Create Kedushah
In Parshat Terumah, we ask a fundamental question: Who creates Kedushah? Is it man or is it God? Kedushah is often misunderstood and mistranslated as holy, implying a mystical force inherent in objects or people. However, Judaism teaches that nothing is inherently sacred. Neither places, nor objects, nor people possess sanctity without human action. When God commands the Jewish people to build a sanctuary so that He may dwell among them, it is our effort that creates the space for the Divine. A Torah scroll is not sacred because of the parchment, but because of the scribe's intention. Even the [...]
Jewish Philosophy- Loving Israel Too Much
In this video on Jewish philosophy, we explore a truly mind blowing topic from the Talmud regarding our connection to the Land of Israel. We look at a fascinating discussion in the Gemara about the blessing recited over balsam oil, which was historically produced right here in Jericho. One sage, Rav Yehuda, suggested a unique blessing praising God for creating the oil of our land. Remarkably, the Talmud records that his colleagues rejected his legal opinion, claiming he loved the Land of Israel too much to remain objective. This raises a profound philosophical question: How can one love Israel too [...]
