YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
Let us begin by finding others whose shoes are removed. At the burning bush, Moshe had to remove his shoes because he was standing on holy ground (Shemot 3:5). Yehoshua had to do the same upon meeting Hashem’s "chief of staff" on holy ground (Yehoshua 5:15). Chazal made a general rule of it: shoes should be removed at any place where there is an open display of Divine Presence, which is why the kohanim served in the Beit Hamikdash without shoes (Shemot Rabba 2). What is the connection?
The Ktav V’kabala gives two explanations. One is that it is a sign of making oneself subservient. The other is that one cannot wear shoes that were impacted by having treaded on impure things.
The gemara (Shabbat 152a) says: "One who sits on a horse is a king; on a donkey, is a free man; if he is wearing shoes, he is a human being; if he has none of these things, then the deceased who are buried are better than he." The Malbim explains that the most significant difference between man and the animal kingdom is not related to speech or even the ability to do sophisticated things. Rather, an animal does what his instincts tell him to do, and man has the power, as one who had Hashem’s spirit blown into his midst, to act in a manner that is against his natural instincts.
When a human wears shoes, which are usually made from animal hide, he demonstrates that he is not like an animal that steps directly on the ground and is connected to the physicality the land represents. He steps on top of the animal-based shoes to remind him that he is a level above the animal. He is to strive for holiness. When he comes to ground which is indeed holy, he is to remove the shoe and put his feet directly on the soil.
The Torah saw such importance in yibbum that it permitted that which otherwise would have been incest. But what if someone "does not desire to take his sister-in-law," in other words, he prefers his feelings to the choice to follow what the Torah wants of him? In that case, we remove his shoe to show his resemblance to an animal that cannot separate himself from his nature.
It is interesting and apparently not coincidental that kinyan sudar, which is an overarching form of accepting obligations on oneself, is described in Tanach as involving giving a shoe (Ruth 4:7). In this way, the one who accepts the obligation declares that he understands that he has the power to make noble decisions and to keep to them even if they go against his natural desires. It is appropriate that one of the times we use this type of kinyan (albeit, not with a shoe these days) is on the day of one’s wedding.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
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)
