- Halacha
- Miscellaneous
- General Questions
191
Question
Why was the Maharal against the Sefer Me’or Einayim?
Was anybody backing that Sefer? If yes, who?
Answer
Some rabbanim, like the Maharal (Be’er HaGolah, ch. 6) came out strongly against the Me’or Eina’im of R. Azarya min haAdumim, because he sometimes left rabbinic tradition in his relation to midrashim (as did the Rambam and many ge'onim), certain chronological figuring in chazal, etc. His rational and historical approach is very similar to that of the Maharatz Chayot (Chajes), and R. Yakov Emdin (who at first opposed, but later apparently accepted the book). At one point the author wrote a letter of apology and even edited some of the controversial issues (proving his positive intentions), after which the book was more widely accepted. He is cited by classic rabbinic historians, for example the Tosfot Yom Tov (Mnachot 10, 3), the Minchat Shai (Zecharia 14, 5), the Yad Malachi (Shnei haTalmudim, 12) and others. The book is not recommended for youngsters who have yet to master the "mainstream" learning, and for people who don’t have knowledgeable and well-rounded rabbanim with whom they can discuss the questions and understand both sides of the issues.
Sfardim Ashkenazim
Rabbi Daniel Kirsch | Cheshvan 24, 5784

Eating vis a vis benefiting
Rabbi David Sperling | Shevat 8, 5784
Gifts and new clothes during the year of mourning
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | Cheshvan 3, 5771

Bracha on Birth of Children
Various Rabbis | Tevet 26, 5773

Rabbi Ari Shvat
Lectures at various yeshivot, michlalot and midrashot. Has published many books & Torani articles and is in charge of Rav Kook’s archives.

Fasting or giving Tzedaka on seeing Sefer Torah fallen
Shevat 7, 5771

Goyim at Shul/hashkafah of Shul
Adar II 1, 5771

Keeping non-definite chametz and staying in a dorm
Nisan 3, 5771

Birkat Hamazon - extra verses
Adar II 25, 5771

Shop open on Shabbat
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Cheshvan 21, 5770

What does it mean: "God's Name" and "G-d's sake"?
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Tammuz 20, 5774

When was Moses son circumcised?
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Shevat 2, 5773
