by Rabbi Eliezer Melamed
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
Three Levels of Holiness of Yom Ha’atzma’ut Q: Is ‘Yom Ha’atzma’ut’ (Israel Independence Day) a sacred day, or is it merely a question of nationalism, unrelated to Torah and kedusha (holiness) as the Haredim claim? Isn’t the fact that the government and judicial system are not committed to keeping Torah and mitzvoth a reason not to be happy … Read more
Overwhelming Tragedy An individual possesses the ability to grasp the short range significance of events and to understand those aspects which affect his own personal life. Yet, even this process takes time. Only after enough time has passed is one able to analyze properly what has befallen him. When a massive, sweeping event occurs – … Read more
Mitzvah to Learn Torah on Chag and Chol Ha’Moed It is a mitzvah to increase one’s Torah study on Shabbat and Chagim (Festivals), as our Sages said: “The Sabbath and Yom Tov were given to Israel in order that they might study Torah”(Jerusalem Talmud, Shabbat 15:3). This is why Hashem gave the Chagim to Israel – so they could sit and learn Torah, with happiness and pleasure. For this reason, it … Read more
Current Events A number of readers have written me – some requesting, others demanding – that I address the latest conflict between the religious and the haredim: Who represents the Torah of Israel more faithfully? Who is right? Does the issue of army recruitment for yeshiva students represent a devastating blow, or is it an … Read more