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Asher Ishaayahu Ben Rivka
Why the ear? Rav Yochanan ben Zakkai (Kiddushin 22b) explains that it was the ear which heard at Har Sinai the words "do not steal", and in addition it was stated "ki li bnai yisrael avadim"-"unto Me are the Jewish people slaves", "v’lo avadim l’avadim"-"and not slaves to other slaves." In both of these dictums the ear was delinquent of its duties and did not listen.
However, one may still ask: Why the ear? After all, the hand was just as responsible for stealing and taking the goods. Furthermore, if the ear is held accountable, let it be pierced immediately upon being convicted of stealing. Why wait until the end of the six years?
Rav Chaim Yaakov Goldvicht z"l, Rosh Yeshiva of Kerem B’Yavneh explains by means of a parable: An individual who works hard during the six days of the week, barely finds a moment for Torah studies. When he reaches Shabbat and is entranced by the speakers and shiurim, he is inspired to undertake further delving into Torah. The man sincerely wants to change, leave his job and devote his time to learning Torah. Yet, when Shabbat ebbs away, and the weekly routine begins, his dreams and new commitments are slowly put aside or simply forgotten.With each Shabbat that he experiences, more shiurim and other lectures will accumulate in "his ear", and ultimately will enable him to fulfill his dream and change his lifestyle.
Similarly, it takes a long time for the slave to recognize that what truly lay behind his theft was his loss of shmiah-his power to hear and change himself. After the six years he completes as punishment for stealing, the lesson has been learned and he can now become a better person, growing closer to Hashem. However, if he voluntarily extends his servitude, he in essence gives up his hearing power and can only do what he is told to do by his master. This loss of the ability to be inspired, influenced and impressed in order to change his ways, is the tragedy that is memorialized with the pierced ear.
The lesson is clear: we must be careful never to enter situations or lifestyles where our ability to achieve spiritual heights is removed from our hands. Never turn a deaf ear. Listen and take advantage of change to come closer to both Torat Yisrael and Eretz Yisrael.
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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)
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.
