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Beit Midrash
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Rashi explains that the Torah stressed that the laws of shemitta, like other laws, were given in details at Sinai. Why is the holy source of the laws communicated specifically in regard to shemitta? Rashi on the beginning of Bechukotai puts a very different stress. The concept of following Hashem’s chukim, he says, refers to toiling in Torah study, not on actively performing the mitzvot. Why?
Sometimes one takes care of his needs as they arise, and sometimes one plans well in advance. One of the differences is that plans for the immediate period need to be very specific, whereas for distant plans one can suffice with a basic outline. Most of the mitzvot that Bnei Yisrael received at Sinai were applicable immediately. However, Hashem knew that several decades would go by before shemitta and yovel would be operative. Why shouldn’t Hashem put the stress on details regarding the immediately operative mitzvot?
The answer is that the resting of the land and the holy jubilee year are central pillars of the Torah. The Torah says not to plant during shemitta. Although the poor were able to share with the rich landowners, our sources indicate that things were harder for the poor during shemitta than during other years (that is why they left some land without sanctity so as to support the poor from that land (Chagiga 3b)), so the needs of the poor were not the reason for shemitta. Rather the Torah’s goal is to cause man to realize that worldly possessions are not of intrinsic or of stable value.
The Torah promises a blessing for those who deserve it: "You will eat your bread in satiation" (Vayikra 26:5), from which the Rabbis learn that one will eat a little, but it will find blessing in one’s intestines. Would people be happy with a special pill that provides all the nutrients one needs, and eat nothing else? What about the enjoyment of eating? That’s why the Torah stresses to be preoccupied with Torah. When engrossed in the words of Torah, one does not find worldly pursuits so compelling. In a Torah world, one can leave competition behind and be happy helping others rather than accumulating wealth. The discipline needed to keep shemitta is related to the power to dedicate oneself to Torah.
Deep involvement in Torah is designed to take one from fighting class struggles over power and resources to struggling to determine the truth in age-old question of halacha or ethics. The latter is certainly more worthwhile.
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)
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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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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
