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Shabbat Parashat Yitro| 5766

Yitro | | 01/01/2005

Earthquakes and Tsunamis in Tanach

Chazal assigned Yeshaya 6 as the haftara of Parashat Yitro for a clear reason. Our parasha tells of Hashem’s revelation to all of Bnei Yisrael, as he gave them the Torah. This turned that generation into a nation of prophets and paved the way for future generations to be potential prophets. In the haftara, we learn about the powerful revelation that Yeshaya experienced, which initiated him as a prophet. Let us look at Yeshaya’s prophecy within its historical context.

P’ninat Mishpat

Case: A man desired to divorce his wife, but she and beit din turned down his request. He now lives separately. The wife claims that the level of support he provides her does not reflect his means and standard of living.

Moreshet Shaul

The Chazon Ish’s claim that the pasuk of “when you shall come …” teaches that orlah follows the boundaries that Hashem promised Avraham, has a couple of difficulties: 1) The pasuk’simplication that the mitzva begins immediately can teach that we need not wait for conquest and division of all the Land, but how do we know that it applies even to unconquered areas? 2) If these words denote that it is before conquest, then why would the Torah, in other places, use those words in connection with “… and you will conquer and inhabit it”?

Ask the Rabbi

Question: What is the final halacha regarding whether an aveil (mourner) can/should change his seat in shul on Shabbat? According to the opinion that he does change, why doesn’t that violate the principle that one does not do aveilut b’farhesia (mourning in public) on Shabbat? Also, is the halacha the same for women?

This edition of
Hemdat Yamim is dedicated to the memory of Rina bat Yaakov Pushett z”l and
R’ Meir ben Yechezkel Shraga Brachfeld o.b.m.
Hemdat Yamim is also dedicated by Les & Ethel Sutker of Chicago, Illinois
in loving memory of Max and Mary Sutker and Louis and Lillian Klein,z”l.
May their memory be a blessing!

A weekly divrei Torah leaflet: A Glimpse at the Parasha, Ask the Rabbi, From the writings of Harav Avraham Yitzchak Hakohen Kook, zt”l, Pninat Mishpat (Jewish Monetary Law).