YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Vayikra
- Kdoshim
I raise these points not for autobiographical reasons but because of a shocking point that Chazal saw in p’sukim we [Israelis] read this week. "Do not do iniquity in judgment" (Vayikra 19:35). Rashi cites the following: "If it is talking about judgment, it previously said, ‘Do not do iniquity in judgment’ (ibid. 15). What judgment is being taught about here? ‘… measure, weight, and volume’ (the continuation of our pasuk), for whoever measures is called a dayan, for if he lies about a measure, it is like he ruins a judgment, and he is called … despised, disgusting, …, he desecrates His name, … and causes the nation to be exiled from the Land."
How can a person who was not trained to be a judge be responsible to such a degree? How can he serve as a judge regarding his own finances, when a dayan has to recluse himself when he has even a mild conflict of interest? The answer is that the difficulty of a dayan is in weighing with his mind matters that are not clear cut. For this, one needs training, and nothing may be allowed to influence his thought process. One who buys and/or sells is just asked to be careful regarding matters that are clearly measurable and just require that one does not cheat.
If the process is so different, then in what way is it like being a dayan? The answer is that the experience of feeling Hashem’s presence and imitating His ways should be similar. While the cognitive process is very different, the experience of feeling the concern for upholding his integrity, which he received as a present from Hashem, is similar. When a grocer installs his scales, an employer does his payroll, or a worker gives in his hours, there is justice going on. Hashem trusts the individual to have the integrity required of a dayan. While it is hard to have butterflies every day, one should generally feel Hashem’s eyes looking over him during his business dealings (whether multi-million dollar deals, filing of taxes, or in a simple store, where shtick can be done by the seller or even the buyer).
In the merit of success in this matter, may we merit being called beloved, respected, … and help return our nation from the exile.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
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.