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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.
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
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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.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
