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Beit Midrash
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The Rambam, in explaining the mishna that one should treat "light mitzvot" as seriously as severe ones, mentions simchat haregel (being joyous on the holidays) and learning Hebrew as examples of light mitzvot. The severe ones are the ones whose strict punishments are mentioned explicitly. This seems to put teaching Hebrew on equal footing with a full-fledged mitzva from the Torah like simchat haregel. Why, then, did the Rambam omit this mitzva from his halachic work, Mishneh Torah.
A few years ago I met a dayan of the Satmar beit din in New York. He asked me what language I give shiur in and I told him that, of course, I give it in Lashon Hakodesh / Ivrit [ed. note- this and other of Rav Ehrenreich’s divrei Torah are translated from Hebrew]. He was very surprised that I "diverged from the practice of gedolei Yisrael," who taught in Yiddish.
I responded in a few ways. Firstly, the great majority of gedolim over the centuries, including Rashi, the Ramban, and the Rambam, gave shiur in Hebrew. Also, the Kuzari says that based on logic and tradition, Hebrew is the language which was used by the great Biblical characters, from Adam and Chava through Ever, after whom the language is named. Avraham spoke Aramaic, but kept Hebrew as a language he would use as a special, holy language.
Also, as the geula has begun to unfold, so too has the usage of Hebrew come to life again. The Torah Temima explains that the poskim barely discuss the importance of speaking Hebrew because it became too difficult in the Diaspora. He also gives another explanation. In line with Berachot 28b, a fear developed that if people knew Hebrew too well, they would be tempted to explain p’sukim in Tanach based on the simple meaning and not through Chazal’s "eyeglasses." Based on this idea, looking at the Rambam’s formulation of the mitzva to educate his children (Talmud Torah 1:5), he may imply that we are indeed supposed to teach our children Hebrew but that the methodology of doing so is through the teaching of the p’sukim of the Torah.
Let us end off by noting that one of the miracles of modern Jewish history is the rebirth of the Hebrew language.
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)
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
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)
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: 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)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
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
