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The Talmud states that "all matters that pertain to the general welfare of the community are the responsibility of the rabbi." Over the centuries this injunction has been honored more in the breach than in actuality. Nevertheless there can be no dispute that respective and respected rabbis influence the policies of the religious parties that sit in our Knesset. We may not always agree with their opinions and advice but in the religious world one would hope that no one would gainsay their right to express those opinions and advice publicly. Such figures as Rabbis Ovadyah Yosef, the late Rabbi Eliezer Shach, and the late rabbe of Chabad have had great influence on particular segments of Israeli and Jewish society and on the general Israeli public and world Jewry as well. Yet there is always controversy not only about what they said but over whether they even had a right to say it publicly and forcefully. When Rav Shach expressed himself regarding a possible settlement with the Palestinians and the dangers of isolation from the non-Jewish world, he was roundly criticized for expressing his views. "Leave our foreign and defense policies up to the experts and don’t mix in to what is none of your business" was the general media reaction to his words. Well I for one don’t see why his opinion is less valuable to our current debate on policy and our future than the opinion of all of the so-called "experts" that are always interviewed by our media and have yet to come up with a successful formula for solving these problems. Rabbis have a legitimate right to express their opinions on matters of public concern.
Rabbis have regularly been accused here in Israel of "incitement" when expressing their opinions on public matters. Left wing professors in Israeli universities who advocate boycotts of Israel are never accused of "incitement." Rather they have the sacred privilege of academic freedom and freedom of speech. Apparently they can say anything they wish without being told to mind their own academic business. Are the rabbis any less academic and accomplished than the professors? Present company excluded, I think that they are not. I think that it is the fear that people may actually listen to the opinion of the rabbis, opinions which many times contrast to current political correctness and modern lifestyle that lies at the bottom of this self-righteous censorship attempt. Why can the rabbis of Efrat not tell their community about the dangers of smoking and attempt to persuade the merchants there to discontinue selling death? Rabbis speak with thousands of years of tradition, Jewish experience and personal practice behind their words. One may have the choice to hearken to their advice or ignore it. But I do not believe that anyone has the right to challenge their right to express their opinions on national, general and communal matters in a public manner.
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 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
