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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Gemara:
Rava said to the Rabbis: I ask of you not to come before me [to study] during the months of Nisan and Tishrei, so that you will not be preoccupied with your livelihood all year.
Ein Ayah: Hashem engrained in creation that a person lacks satisfaction when involved only in intellectual [Torah] pursuit without any standard work so that one will be pushed to see to his many physical necessities. Otherwise, many would involve themselves just in the intellectual, only to become so overwhelmed by their needs that they would no longer be able to pursue wisdom. If one takes care of his practical needs during certain times of the year, he will be more naturally drawn to the intellectual during the most appropriate times.
Possibly, Abaye and Rava disagree about Rabbi Yishmael’s reasoning. Abaye felt that experience showed that, irrespective of necessity, man’s essence is made for some involvement in normal physical work. Rava reasoned that only when necessity dictates it do we say that man needs normal work, but to the extent that one is able to devise a plan to avoid such involvement, that is the higher level to strive for. A person, especially a Jew, can lead his life in a manner that he has extended periods when he is dedicated exclusively to the worship of Hashem.
The Balance Between Torah Study and Work
(condensed from Ein Ayah, Berachot 6:11)
Gemara:
Come and see the difference between the earlier generations and the more recent generations. The earlier generations made their Torah study a set thing and their work a temporary activity, and they were successful in both. More recent generations, who made their work a set thing and their Torah study a temporary activity, were unsuccessful at both.
Ein Ayah: The foundation of tranquility, even in regards to this world, depends on fixing the general and the personal moral standing. When a person has reached a state of good characteristics in regard to fear of Hashem and belief, he is able to avoid many things that detract from his strength and make the burden of the trials of life greater. One with a proper approach is one able to enjoy that which Hashem provides him, even if he does not have that much.
In contrast, one who has a lower spiritual level will not be satisfied with his physical attainments, and his problematic tendencies will lead him in the direction of desires that destroy the foundations of a healthy life. This will cause spiritual disease for him and his offspring. Even if he becomes rich, it will not make him happy.
When the earlier generations made their Torah study the set thing in their lives, this led them to a healthy moral outlook of fear of Hashem and proper characteristics. Under those circumstances, the less serious effort they put into work sufficed to keep them happy, for they had a healthy outlook regarding their efforts and the fruits of their labor. In later generations, people were so concerned about their financial success and physical attainments that they did not leave enough time for Torah studies because they did not feel they could afford to do so. They were not successful even in their physical attainments because whatever they accumulated did not suffice to make them feel good.
Ein Ayah: The foundation of tranquility, even in regards to this world, depends on fixing the general and the personal moral standing. When a person has reached a state of good characteristics in regard to fear of Hashem and belief, he is able to avoid many things that detract from his strength and make the burden of the trials of life greater. One with a proper approach is one able to enjoy that which Hashem provides him, even if he does not have that much.
In contrast, one who has a lower spiritual level will not be satisfied with his physical attainments, and his problematic tendencies will lead him in the direction of desires that destroy the foundations of a healthy life. This will cause spiritual disease for him and his offspring. Even if he becomes rich, it will not make him happy.
When the earlier generations made their Torah study the set thing in their lives, this led them to a healthy moral outlook of fear of Hashem and proper characteristics. Under those circumstances, the less serious effort they put into work sufficed to keep them happy, for they had a healthy outlook regarding their efforts and the fruits of their labor. In later generations, people were so concerned about their financial success and physical attainments that they did not leave enough time for Torah studies because they did not feel they could afford to do so. They were not successful even in their physical attainments because whatever they accumulated did not suffice to make them feel good.
When discussing set versus temporary, the main thing is not the number of hours but the attitude. The main question is what he considers most crucial, even if he is able to be involved in it for less time.
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
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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)
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
