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Shabbat Parashat Noach | 5766

Noach | | 01/01/2006

Fraternal Checks and Balances

This week’s parasha reminds us about the United Nations. Its symbol of a dove clutching an olive branch in its mouth is a sign of hope of global peace in the aftermath of previous tragedies. But the world seems to move more in the direction of factionalism than partnership. Can mankind exist without factionalism?

P’ninat Mishpat

Case: The plaintiff (=pl) and the defendant (=def)jointly owned a store. After quarrels erupted, they signed an agreement to end the partnership and settle claims, with def paying pl 20,000 lira, for which a bank guaranteed note was given. Pl has new claims and says that he signed the agreement under duress, as he feared difficulty in receiving the proper amount of money for his share or that he would receive payment after the funds would lose much of their value.

Moreshet Shaul

“The joy of our heart has ceased; our dance has turned into mourning. The crown of our head has fallen. Woe to us, for we have sinned” (Eicha 5: 15-16). During this month of increased happiness and on the day of joy (Purim), our teacher and leader has died.

Ask the Rabbi

Question: I make crafts and would like to sell them at an upcoming fair. However, the fair will take place on Shabbat and Sunday. A non-Jew is willing to sell them both days on consignment for a percentage of the sales. May she do this for me on Shabbat?

Noach

This edition of
Hemdat Yamim is dedicated to the memory of
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).