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The gemara (Sanhedrin 56b) says that one of the mitzvot that were given to Bnei Yisrael at Mara (Shemot 15:25), before matan Torah, was dinin (monetary law). The Me’am Loez (Shemot 21:1) says that this was done to help ensure one of the basic requirements of matan Torah: unity within the nation (see Shemot 19:2 with Rashi). As long as people had their financial grievances one with the other and had no system to settle them, there could not be true harmony.
If monetary laws were given before Sinai, why are they mentioned only afterward? It is clear from the gemara that the individual laws of how and based on what to rule were given at Sinai, not before it. The crucial thing before matan Torah was that a system was in place through which people knew they would receive a just conclusion to their disputes. It was the system that brought peace more than the individual rulings. This also explains why Yitro’s judicial ideas, which expanded the judicial system and made it more user-friendly, appear in the Torah prior to Sinai even though, according to many commentators, Yitro suggested them only months later.
The Me’am Loez also points out that the law, truth, and peace, which Pirkei Avot (1:18) tells us keeps the world going, all apply to the judicial system. If we take a look at an important gemara in Sanhedrin (6b), regarding the concept of compromise, we will see a slightly different view of these concepts. Din (a standard ruling of beit din) would be an example of emet, as the dayanim faithfully apply the truths of the Torah. A compromise is an example of shalom, which is not likely to work out to be an absolute truth but puts the conflict to rest as quietly as possible. We accept the opinion that compromise is preferable to din.
This conclusion actually fits in beautifully with the thesis we have been developing. The specific laws and rules that the Torah teaches us to use in ruling are important truths, which we cherish as we do all the halachot of the Torah. In fact, one who chooses to adjudicate by a different system is severely insulting the Torah (see Beit Yosef, Choshen Mishpat 26), even if he feels he will gain regarding peace. However, ultimately the most special element of our judicial system is that one can use a system approved by the Torah to create and maintain relationships within our nation. This preserves the peace that makes us thrive not only as a religion but as a cohesive nation that accepted the Torah "as one man with one heart."
Various Rabbis
Various Rabbis including those of of Yeshivat Bet El, such as Rabbi Chaim Katz, Rabbi Binyamin Bamberger and Rabbi Yitzchak Greenblat and others.
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: A Crown and its Scepter – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 294-5
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.