by Rabbi Eliezer Melamed
I received a number of replies to previous articles, some of which I will now address. Q: Everything you say about the importance of the mitzvah of yishuv ha’aretz (settling the Land of Israel) and criticizing the hareidim for not taking part in it, is based on the assumption we are in Eretz Yisrael, but the Gedolei Ha’Torah (eminent Torah … Read more
“Do not stand still when your neighbor’s life is in danger” The Torah commands one to save someone who is in danger. As the Torah also obligates one to return lost items to a neighbor “and you shall return it to him” (Deuteronomy 22:2), all the more so is it a mitzvah to save another … Read more
Why have you deviated from Jewish Tradition? Q: Occasionally I read your column, sir, and I am amazed at your confidence in the path of the National-Religious community, which is diametrically opposed to the path of our rabbis, Gedolei HaTorah (eminent Torah scholars). After all, everyone knows what the Chatam Sofer said, that“chadash assur m’ha’Torah” (“ ‘new’ is forbidden by … Read more
Virtues of the Land of Israel Our Sages said: “The mitzvah of settling the Land of Israel is equal to all the mitzvoth in the Torah” (Tosefta, Avoda Zara 4:3; Sifrei, Re’eh 53). They also said: “Whoever lives outside the Land may be regarded as one who has no God” (Ketubot 110b). Also, “Whoever lives … Read more
Renewal after the Sin of Golden Calf In this article, I will recount a chapter of Israel’s history in the wilderness. Following the sin of the Golden Calf, as a result of which God said to Moshe: “Now do not try to stop Me when I unleash my wrath against them to destroy them; I will … Read more
The Three Levite Families The Torah goes to great length describing the three families of the Tribe of Levi – Gershon, Kehat, and Merari – and their duties bearing the Mishkan (tabernacle). This can only mean that their job in maintaining the Mishkan and the Temple is extremely important. Consequently, it serves as a binyan av (prototype) for our responsibilities in this world. … Read more
The World’s Existence Depends on Torah From the beginning of Creation, the world was immersed in anxiety, for God had stipulated with His works of creation, saying: “If Israel accepts the Torah on the sixth day of the month of Sivan – you will continue to exist; if not – I will return you to … Read more
Political Issues At the time the government coalition was being formed, I received a number of questions from the haredi public and their supporters, concerning the issue of army recruitment, and the alliance of the ‘Bayit HaYehudi’(Jewish Home) party with ‘Yesh Atid’ (There is a Future) and why the rabbis did not condemn it. At … Read more
Points of contention between Muslims and non-Muslims have gradually increased in recent years. In the opinion of many, they represent the most serious risk for world peace. It is not merely a conflict between Israel and the Arabs, but rather, the policy of Iran and Al Qaeda, who openly express sheer hatred of Israel and the West. In the words of the Iranians, the United States is the “Great Satan”, while Israel is the “Little Satan”.
President Obama’s Visit to Israel With the holidays behind us, I now have the opportunity to share my views about U.S. President Barack Obama’s important visit to Israel. First, I must correct what I previously wrote about him. In the past, I wrote: “Regretfully, it has become clear that Barack Obama is perhaps the most … Read more