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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Gemara:
Rabbi Abba was avoiding Rav Yehuda, as the former wanted to move to Eretz Yisrael, whereas Rav Yehuda posited that whoever makes aliya from Bavel violates the positive commandment of: "They will be brought to Bavel, and there they will remain until I will recall them, says Hashem" (Yirmiya 27:22).
Ein Ayah: It is a principle of the most complete levels of avoda (service of Hashem) that personal shleimut (completeness) and the desire for it do not compare to one’s part in the shleimut of the klal (whole). Only one who is dedicated to the shleimut of the klal is a real chassid, for it is based on what wisdom dictates, without the emotional element of self-love (causing one to want to personally succeed spiritually). Moshe epitomized this high level. Hashem told Moshe that Bnei Yisrael should be destroyed and the chosen people would reemerge through him, yet Moshe said that if Bnei Yisrael would not be spared, "Erase me from the book You have written" (Shemot 32:32). Among great people there are different levels of dedication to this distinction between personal shleimut and that of the klal, as it is impossible to rid oneself totally of the concern for personal shleimut.
Eretz Yisrael certainly adds shleimut, as the nation who lives there has sin removed and its air breeds wisdom. However, Rav Yehuda, whom Shmuel said was almost beyond human (Nidda 13a), was on such a high level that personal shleimut was of no value to him in the face of shleimut of the klal. Rav Yehuda saw Eretz Yisrael as the spring of salvation for the shleimut of the klal. That is why he felt that the individual had no right to enjoy the light of the Land’s shleimut before it came time for the klal to benefit from it. This in turn required a Heavenly decision to redeem them, whether it be via miracle or naturally. In any case, he posited that one had to wait for the klal to make it to Eretz Yisrael before personally doing so.
Rav Yehuda felt that if individuals would curb their spiritual desires to move to the Land, it would help hasten the klal’s salvation via Divine Providence. That way the prayers regarding return to Eretz Yisrael would be ones of the klal, which, because of their higher level, would be more likely to be accepted. Even if one were to say that Hashem will redeem us through natural steps, it would still need to be preceded by beseeching Divine mercy and an element of strengthening spiritual virtues. If an individual is unable to fulfill his spiritual passion to make it to the Land to which our eyes and hearts are tied, it will cause the national efforts to be strengthened. According to Rav Yehuda, whenever there is a step that could remotely impact on the klal’s chances, an individual must not make even his loftiest spiritual goals a factor. However, all other righteous people throughout the generations, with all their greatness, would not withdraw their personal quest for shleimut to the extent that it would prevent them from coming to the Land to benefit from its light due to some remote drawback. Especially since the higher the level of individuals, the higher the level of the klal, other scholars felt that it was proper for great people to stream to Eretz Yisrael when possible.
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)
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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.
