The parsha discusses that there are times when the blessing of Hashem is so great that poverty is eliminated. Rashi explains that when the nation is preoccupied with mitzvos and serving Hashem then His benevolence provides for all. Chasam Sofer however is bothered with the language employed in the Torah when this scenario is mentioned.
Hashem constantly monitors the happenings in Israel, His ‘eyes’ are forever there from the beginning of the year until its end. Our Sages question this verse since Hashem always supervises the events of the entire world, not just the Land of Israel. They explain that the entire world’s administration is only a result of how Hashem controls and directs the circumstances in Israel.
To say this past week was busy would be an understatement! We enjoyed a powerful Tisha B’Av with special guest speaker Ariel Berkowitz. Our weekly learning continues to grow, and we’re even hard at work for a Cholent Cook-off this weekend with the Akiva Experience! Check it all out in This Week in Pictures.
The well-known declaration that we have used for generations voicing our undying passion and love for Hashem is found in this parsha. Shema, which many of our nation have cried out before sacrificing their lives to sanctify Hashem encompasses a tremendous commitment and devotion accepting Hashem as the omnipotent king of the entire universe.
It is a busy summer here at TJE! Last weekend we enjoyed not one, but 8 different programs from Friday through Sunday! That, plus a special guest speaker at our Wednesday night learning AND a packed Thursday night while our Kiddush Cup teams prepare for their finale! Here is a quick look at it all in This Week in Pictures.
We are in the midst of one of the greatest calamities of all time, the loss of our Batei Mikdash. Both were destroyed on the same day, Tisha B’av, not a coincidence. When the spies debunked the idea of going to Eretz Yisroel and the entire nation wept bitter tears, they ripped out their innermost attachment to Eretz Yisroel.
I was in a room not too long ago when the question was asked to some parents about a break from school and how it feels now that their kids are back in school.
One replied “it was so great having them home”. The other responded, “it was such a relief once they went back.”
The tribes of Gad and Reuven approached Moshe with a startling proposition. They wanted to remain outside the mainland of Israel and take advantage of the tremendous pasture for their flock.