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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
"Only her [Chana’s] lips were moving" (Shmuel I, 1:13) - from here we see that one who prays should form the words on his lips. "... and her voice was not to be heard" (ibid.) - from here we see that one who prays should not have his voice heard while praying.
Ein Ayah: The goal of prayer is to strengthen one’s internal, spiritual side and to come as close as possible to a true recognition of Hashem. This can be accomplished only if one uses all of his powers, such as emotion and intellect, and each one in its proper place.
On one hand, prayer should involve the body, and therefore one’s lips should move. On the other hand, the main gains one is to work on are internal. Therefore, the prayer is to be said so that only he can hear. In this way, one shows himself that he should concentrate on true service of Hashem and communicate with He who knows man’s secrets, without showing off before others.
Yet, one would not want to come to the misconception that the only important things are internal elements, which could bring him to the dangerous mistaken idea that external actions are unimportant. In fact, one cannot reach shleimut without healthy actions. Therefore, it is specifically required that one performs the action of moving his lips.
Limits to Emotion in Prayer
(condensed from Berachot 5:21)
Gemara:
"Eili thought that she [Chana] was drunk" (Shmuel I, 1:13) - from here we see that it is forbidden to pray when one is drunk.
Ein Ayah: It is true that prayer is based on a foundation of emotion and that the heart can be more energized during drunkenness. This is included in that which Chazal said: "Whoever is appeased when he is under the influence of wine has a similarity to his Maker" (Eiruvin 65a). However, one can reach the ideal only when the emotional is linked to the intellectual. A drunk is ruled by his emotion, whereas his cognitive capabilities are greatly inhibited.
Also, the obligation of prayer is not just to have one in the proper frame of mind during the prayer. Rather, the prayer should impact on the actions one undertakes thereafter. One can reach emotions that include goodness and righteousness while drunk, but this does not continue into leading him on the straight path afterward. This is because spiritual powers need a calm and collected thought process in order to distinguish between holy and mundane and between pure and impure. To someone who is drunk, the whole world seems flat (Yoma 75a). In other words, everything seems permitted and good to him and he is not able to see that improper things can be destructive. That is why one may not pray while drunk.
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)
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
