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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Amram son of Sultana
Here the Khazar king inquires, "Is not your faith in creation and human genealogy as presented in the Torah weakened somewhat by the fact that the people of India possess ancient traditions and practices which are supposed to date back a million years!"
The wise Rabbi responds, explaining that the traditions of the people of India in no way weaken the Jew's faith. How can the people of India have any serious traditions when, in fact, they lack a proper culture altogether? They are idolaters who place their faith in superstitious belief. They have no culture and have produced only a small number of books, which at any rate are incredulous. Only a genuine ignoramus could be convinced of the reliability of their claims.
Were Bedouins from the Sinai Desert - a people who possess no intellectual background - to approach us with the claim that they have ancient traditions which differ with ours regarding the creation of the world and the history of humankind, should we even feel the need to defend our tradition against their claims? Do the traditions of peoples who lack intellectual standing hold any genuine significance? This was the state of the people of India in the days of the Kuzari.
True, people who live more closely to nature develop unique senses that cannot be found among cultured people - they know how to sense when rain will fall, they are able to uncover footprints and therefore make excellent trackers, and they boast various other sharpened natural talents. They are even likely to possess certain spiritual capacities and unique decorum. However, all of this is far from being a reason to place faith in their traditions - the sort of traditions which are passed down from generation to generation by the light of a bonfire. They are no more than the fruit of healthy imagination. In short, such traditions are not worthy of serious consideration.
All sorts of interesting natural characteristics developed among the people of India, as did unique and even praiseworthy mannerisms. Nevertheless, they were not a learned or intellectual people. In this respect they were very undeveloped, and there is therefore little value to their tales about ancient traditions. This, though, is in no way true when it comes to the Jewish people, "a wise and intelligent nation." The Jews are "the People of the Book" who, throughout the generations, have occupied themselves with learning and Torah. The Jews' profuse literary output in the fields of both Oral and Written Torah serves as proof of the Jewish people's commendable spiritual level.
Foundations of Faith (51)
Rabbi Zalman Baruch Melamed
12 - 12. A History of the Divine
13 - 13. Faith Needs No Rational Proof
14 - 20. God's Incorporeality
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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)
Rabbis in Midrash
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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
