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Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: One may raise the following dilemma: Is the intrinsic nature of man to be involved uninterruptedly in matters of the intellect, and his involvement in practical matters are just out of necessity but are really beneath his level? Or is it possible that man’s nature is made up of both practical and intellectual inclinations, in which case, involvement in physical matters in a reasonable proportion actually completes his natural essence?
The above dilemma is behind the disagreement between Rabbi Yishmael and Rabbi Shimon. The former holds that interruption from one’s learning for physical pursuits of making a living, in a manner that does not contradict his overall stress on Torah study, is not something lacking but something that complements his nature. That is why as a rule, following in a Torah lifestyle is to follow the "way of the land."
Rabbi Shimon, on the other hand, says that a person’s level should be so lofty that he will not be able to appreciate any pursuit other than intellectual ones. If not for sin, one would be able to fulfill the pasuk that the Torah will not move from his lips literally. Therefore, one should always strive and encourage others to be as complete a person as possible, and that whatever involvement one has in the external world is an unfortunate shortcoming. When Bnei Yisrael are on the proper level, others will do their work and they will be focused only on the knowledge of the Torah.
Rabbi Yishmael saw the phenomenon of people being tired out when they spend all their time on the intellectual as a sign that he was right. Rabbi Shimon saw it as an entrenched problem in man, whereby it is difficult for him to strive for his proper level. However, the solution is to work on improving himself.
The aforementioned disagreement is about the nature of man. According to Rabbi Yishmael, if one finds a great person who is drawn to only uninterrupted Torah study, he is beyond human nature. The rules of the Torah were given with more average people, not angels, in mind. The gemara understands that it is difficult to prefer one opinion based on considering each argument, but rather the matter should be determined based on experience, which shows what is normal. When we see those who found good benefit from their Torah and spirituality and also from their social life and their work, this is the proof. Rabbi Shimon’s approach is difficult to carry out because of internal opposition to intellectual pursuit without any physical outlet. This shows that Rabbi Yishmael is right and that Rabbi Shimon’s approach should be reserved for people who are beyond the norm.
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
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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(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.
