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Shabbat Parashat Shemot| 5768

Shemot | 20 Tevet 5768 | 24/12/2007

A Promise by a Promising Leader

Moshe’s leadership did not begin with a great level of knowledge or a proven track record as a prophet. Rather it began with solid midot (personal attributes). One of the moments that demonstrated Moshe’s fine qualities was when he saved the daughters of Yitro from the abusive shepherds and gave their flock to drink.

Ask the Rabbi

Question: In some modern, decorative, clear mezuzah cases, the klaf (parchment) is unfolded so that it can be read while attached. Is this kosher and is only a lack of hidur (best way to fulfill a mitzva),or must the klaf be rolled?

Moreshet Shaul

Hitnagdut (Opposition [to Chasidism]) I [After discussing Chasidut over the last three weeks, we now appropriately begin to discuss Hitnagdut (the approach of the Mitnagdim), which basically pre-dated Chasidut as normative Judaism but became labeled as a movement when it served to oppose Chasidut.]

P'ninat Mishpat

Case: The defendant (def) is a student at a college for photography (pl). Pl lends its students photographic equipment to prepare projects. When def was trying to put a camera on its stand (also provided by pl), the camera fell down and broke. While pl assumes that def was negligent, def says that the stand was faulty. Pl has a security deposit from def which it can use for payment (and is thus muchzak).

This edition of Hemdat Yamim is dedicated in loving memory of
R ' Meir ben Yechezkel Shraga Brachfeld
o.b.m
Hemdat Yamim is endowed 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).