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Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Vayikra
- Behar
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.
Rabbis in Midrash
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The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
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.