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Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
When Rabbi Eliezer became ill, his students entered to visit him. They said to him: "Our master: teach us the ways of life through which we will merit the world to come." He said to them: "Be careful with your friends’ honor; when you pray, know before Whom you are standing; keep your sons away from higayon (approximately, philosophy) and seat them amongst Torah scholars. Because of these things, you will merit the world to come."
Ein Ayah: If a person will not have a guide based on the intellect, then if he will look for eternal life, he will view matters of the physical world as worthless and they will cause him to falter. If he does not know a way to live a normal life, he is highly unlikely to succeed, as few can handle a totally ascetic life. Therefore, one needs advice on how to chart a path through a normal life without getting overly involved in a life of pleasures in a manner that will make him forget morality and fear of Hashem.
Rabbi Eliezer’s first piece of advice had to do with proper social interaction, which brings much benefit to the person and the society as a whole. Acting as a positive member of society also helps him realize that the advantage that man has over animals is in his intellectual abilities, which can lead his life and be with him in the world to come.
The second piece of advice was to know to Whom he is praying. Prayer is a form of service to Hashem that is based on emotion and exciting the imagination. If he does not attach the intellectual to it, he can find himself despising physical life, and, therefore, he should give thought when doing it. One should know before Whom he is praying, and not just rely on emotion; in this way, he will remain grounded. The intellect lets one know that the steps one needs to take to succeed in the world in an orderly fashion also have great meaning.
"Keep your sons away from higayon and seat them amongst Torah scholars" - When children are young, they should not occupy themselves with abstract thoughts that are not connected to life, such as the question: what is behind nature? Rather, youngsters should be given spiritual "food" that has a practical element as well. This includes halacha, matters of good character traits, and most matters of practical Torah. Having close connection with Torah scholars means that they should observe the scholars in their mundane and physical activities, which they do with a proper order and impressive logic. The youngsters should not be around the scholars when they are involved in the highest levels of spirituality and intellectualism because they are not able to absorb that in a manner that can be applied in normal life. Rather they should absorb the simple things and this will help them in the long run reach high levels.
These are things that will actually bring people to the world to come, because they deal with a person’s inclinations and give a wise context with which to approach life. When one approaches life in an intellectual manner, he at once separates himself from spiritual satisfaction yet gets closer to Hashem by following His path, the path of the 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
Igrot Hare’aya Refuting Criticism by the Ridbaz – #311 – part IV
Date and Place: 19 Sivan 5670 (1910), Yafo
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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)
