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As a rule, the Satan and the nations chide Bnei Yisrael about the chukim (laws without a clear reason). They leave us alone about the mishpatim (monetary laws), which seem understandable because they are similar to their laws. Yet, we can appreciate our system of justice when we see the form of justice that the nations employ (against us) in the UN. Our justice is intrinsically true, not like the humanly mandated justice to which some pay lip service.
Hashem "spoke" the Ten Commandments in such a manner that "shamor" and "zachor" and, actually, all of the commandments were said at the same moment. Why was there a need for such a miracle? The reason is to show that each commandment includes everything, and interconnected laws are intrinsically different from independently standing ones.
The pasuk says that "the land He gave to mankind" (Tehillim 115:16). However, if this "possession" emanates from "to Hashem is the land and all that is in it" (ibid. 24:1), then we will know that the world is only ours after we bless Hashem for that which we get from it (Berachot 35a). If we understand that we need permission from Hashem for our things, then we understand that if we steal food and then make a beracha on it, we are blaspheming Him (Bava Kama 94a). In effect, if we are not sure if something is stolen, then we do not know if it is "kosher" for us. Such is our view of monetary law.
Our monetary law system is different in another way. Moshe was told to place the laws before "them," that is, every individual Jew. Who has to be aware of the law of Jewish servants? Every individual, not just beit din. Each person has to be careful not to mistreat another. A dayan can rule only based on what he knows, and sometimes someone who is not correct can win with a lie or based on the rule that only with full proof can one extract money. Indeed, every individual has to be his own judge - to realize his obligations.
One should be afraid of receiving money he might not deserve. One can and should be concerned about his own needs. However, it is more important to strive that all the money he obtains is legitimately his and serves his internal, spiritual needs.
This is why we teach Jewish children monetary law (see Bava Kama 30a and the mishna, Bava Batra 10:8). The greatest wisdom is not being overly cunning regarding monetary concerns and not hiring sharp lawyers to gain undeserved advantage. If we do not see things this way, then we have adopted "mishpatim" in the manner of the nations. If this is the case, we are perverting justice, which should be a measuring stick of morality, and turning into a tool for accumulating wealth at all costs. The Torah expects more of us.
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Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 2
The King of the Kazars, in his search for truth, starts by inviting the philosopher. This is a "crash-course" on Aristotelian philosophy and the reasons why the king is not convinced. Through this dialogue, R. Yehuda HaLevi already foreshadows some of his central ideas that will appear later.
Shavuot "Love of Torah = Love of Israel"- for Shavuot
People often identify Judaism as just a religion, but upon examination, we see, even halachically and explicitly in the siddur, that the Torah is dependent upon Am Yisrael, Jewish nationalism.
Ein Aya The Middle-Child & Anti-Tzni'ut Syndrome- Negative Attention
Although tzni'ut is for men just like women, Rav Kook deals here with the sources in Yishayahu and the Talmud which deals with the special problem of lack of tzni'ut in women's dress and actions, where it's not just a problem of midot and character traits, but also can include practical, social and national ramifications, as well, which caused the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash and exile from Israel. The class continues the previous one (Ayn Aya Shabbat vi, 29), and is a must for all educators and parents of high-school aged and young adults.
P'ninat Mishpat P'NINAT MISHPAT: A Mess of Loans, Repayments and Grievances – part II
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts