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Beit Midrash
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[Last time, we saw a gemara that told how Akavya ben Mehalalel accused Shmaya and Avtalyon of ruling based on personal feelings, causing the rabbis to censor him. Now, we will see an opinion that rejects the possibility this occurred.] R. Yehuda said: Heaven forbid that Akavya ben Mehalalel was put in cherem, for when the gates of the azara (Beit Hamikdash’s courtyard) were closed, there was no one in Israel inside with his level of Torah, purity, and fear of sin.
Ein Ayah: Regarding how to view one who criticizes talmidei chachamim (Torah scholars) and their ideas in a manner that seems to be an affront to their honor, one should consider the criticizer’s standing, particularly in three broad areas that include all of a person’s shleimut (completeness).
One area where the criticizer should be tested is wisdom. If he is a very wise man, then he is one who can stand among great people and say that he argues with his peers, even those who preceded him. However, when a person of simple intellect has the gall to speak down on the ideas of those much greater than he, speaking in a manner that is appropriate only for the accomplished, he will be punished for brazenness and removing morality from the world.
Another area where the criticizer must be worthy is purity of his heart. If he criticizes a great person for having been swayed by imperfect motivations, he himself must have the purest of hearts, so as not to be influenced. Otherwise, one who feels he can judge righteous people, although, they, as humans, may have erred, is one who harms the world and will be punished.
Even these two important attributes do not suffice. He must also have the highest level of fear of sin, so that we can be sure that if he were not absolutely convinced, with his great wisdom, that the criticism was correct and necessary, he would be afraid to utter it. If someone who we know is crowned with greatness in all of these positive qualities still feels the need to criticize a great person harshly, then we should not, Heaven forbid, think badly of him, nor should lowlier people try to copy his willingness to criticize.
These three attributes: wisdom, purity of the heart (the source of the emotion upon which the world of proper actions and service of Hashem is built), and fear of Hashem, which helps avoid bad things, are the basis of shleimut. These attributes are dispersed through the nation so that some people excel in great Torah wisdom, others in purity and service of the heart, and others excel in keeping away from actual sin. The confluence of these different people builds the House of Israel. Only the select of the select, a generation’s pillar of Torah, enjoys the highest levels of each of these attributes.
One of the nation’s unifying events was the bringing of the Korban Pesach. All of Israel would enter in one gateway and join into unifying groups to partake in the sacrifice. The nation entered the Temple in three groups (see Mishna, Pesachim 5:5). They were referred to as kahal (congregation), eida (community), and Israel, corresponding to wisdom of the intellect, purity of the heart, and fear relating to the actions. Kahal relates to shared physical actions. Eida relates more to the heart’s emotional connection within the nation. Whoever combines the positive elements of kahal, eida, and Israel, is fit to be a criticizer. If criticism emanates from someone like that, we know that it is based on seeking truth. It will not bring fundamental deterioration to the nation, as the criticism comes to build, not destroy. People can learn from the matter that even scholars are accountable, just that it should be done in a way that takes their honor into account. The idea of talmidei chachamim spreading peace in the world can be preserved, as this one declares that something is pure and the other declares it is impure, but the opinions come from one shepherd (based on Chagiga 3b). Thus when criticism came from someone like Akavya ben Mehalalel, who combined the attributes that relate to the three groupings in the Temple, we know that he could not have been censored, for they were words of rebuke that emanated from his lips of Torah.
Various Rabbis
Various Rabbis including those of of Yeshivat Bet El, such as Rabbi Chaim Katz, Rabbi Binyamin Bamberger and Rabbi Yitzchak Greenblat and others.
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: A Crown and its Scepter – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 294-5
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
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.