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According to one opinion (Avoda Zara 64b) a ger toshav is someone who accepts all the mitzvot of the Torah except for eating neveilot. Our mentor, Rav Shaul Yisraeli z.t.l. (in Chavot Binyamin 67), asked: Why would someone who is willing to accept almost everything not go a step further and become a ger tzedek (a full convert)? Let us introduce two issues before trying to answer the question. Chazal tell us that a convert has a status of a newborn child, a categorization that applies to lineage in regard to the laws of incest. This concept, whose source is far from clear, applies to converts over the generations but did not apply to Bnei Yisrael at Sinai, even though they underwent a conversion process at the time.
The process of conversion has three parts: accepting the mitzvot, circumcision (for men), and tevilla (immersion). According to Tosafot, only the former requires a beit din. Rav Yisraeli explains the process of acceptance before beit din and many other things as follows. In order to convert, one must be accepted into Bnei Yisrael by representatives of the nation (i.e., a beit din). Beit din is authorized to do so only if the candidate is willing to accept the mitzvot; once he is told about some of the mitzvot and accepts all mitzvot, his obligation in them is not the result of his acceptance of the mitzvot but of his acceptance into k’lal Yisrael. This is the idea behind the most famous convert’s statement: "Your nation is my nation, and your G-d is my G-d" (Ruth 1:16).
The conversion process begins with an act of national acceptance. A non-Jew’s independent acceptance of mitzvot is meaningless; conversion without national acceptance is not conversion. As one changes national affiliation, he assumes a new identity regarding lineage while keeping his identity regarding personal matters. When Bnei Yisrael converted at Sinai, they did so as a nation together and thus the concept of new lineage did not apply. One who embraces the precepts of the Torah but is unwilling to change national identity can be a ger toshav, not a ger tzedek.
Ramifications of this thesis include that while conversion can occur only for one who accepts mitzvot, his or her failure to keep them afterward does not undo the conversion. Also, one’s interest in being part of the nation is an important consideration for beit din in determining who is fit to be a ger.
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Rabbis in Midrash
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P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
