by Rabbi Eliezer Melamed
The day arrived when all the ministering angels of the world came before the Heavenly Court to debate the matter of Israel facing war against its enemies amongst the nations of the world. The prosecuting angel approached the tribunal and opened his speech by saying: “See, the People of Israel, whom God has gathered together … Read more
The Census The Torah portion of ‘Bamidbar’ is replete with numerical accountings of the Tribes of Israel. Seemingly, one could ask: Why does the Torah need to ‘waste’ so many verses calculating the exact numbers of each and every tribe, and afterwards, mention the entire amount of people? And as if that was not enough, … Read more
גרסה עברית Prime Minister Netanyahu In his defense, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claims that he cannot fulfill his promise to build in Judea and Samaria because international pressures have intensified and become unbearable. How does he expect there not to be relentless pressure on Israel when he himself abstains from claiming repeatedly that we have … Read more
When the Month of Adar Enters Our Sages have said (Ta’anit 29a): “When the month of Adar enters, we increase our joy.” Everyday joy is over the good in the world; however, this happiness is threatened due to the evil and pain which remains in the world. Nevertheless, when the evil itself becomes good, joy … Read more
When the Month of Adar Enters Our Sages have said (Ta’anit 29a): “When the month of Adar enters, we increase our joy.” Everyday joy is over the good in the world; however, this happiness is threatened due to the evil and pain which remains in the world. Nevertheless, when the evil itself becomes good, joy … Read more
The Revelation and its Meaning Our forefather Jacob merited seeing one of the greatest and most awesome revelations ever revealed to man. He saw the ladder standing on the ground, its top reaching up toward heaven, and God’s angels going up and down on it. Suddenly, beyond the ladder and angels – “He saw God … Read more
Judea and Samaria or the Negev Question: The mitzvah to settle the Land of Israel relates to all of the land. With all due respect, Rabbi, why do you specifically encourage settling Judea and Samaria? Answer: Indeed, the mitzvah of settling the Land of Israel exists in all of the borders of the land. This … Read more
Comfort in the Purchase of the ‘Cave of the Patriarchs’ After successfully passing the trial of the ‘Akeda’ (the binding of Isaac), Abraham our forefather returned home and had to cope with another trial. Sarah our foremother, Abraham’s loyal companion, who accompanied him on all his journeys, experiencing together the great revelations — and also … Read more