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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
The host breaks the bread so that he will cut generous pieces, and the guest blesses so that he can bless the host.
Ein Ayah: The key to putting physical enjoyment on the correct path is that when one enjoys that which makes life pleasant, he will want to use it to improve someone else’s life. This is the foundation of a life of kindness and compassion, which becomes strengthened when one does acts of increasing the enjoyment and happiness of others. For this reason the host breaks the bread so that he can cut generous pieces, as one should be happy when he is blessed with physical success so that he can share it with others broadly.
This idea should also shape one’s outlook toward his own physical pleasures. When a person does not take part in a normal physical life, it is likely that he will disregard the physical needs of his counterpart. While it is possible for one to pass up on worldly pleasures, this is not feasible for most people, most of whom need to enjoy physical life, and one should not deprive them.
When it comes to berachot, it is appropriate to stress hakarat hatov (appreciation of the good one has received), which is the basis of both the spiritual life and the ethical physical life. By the guest blessing the host, hakarat hatov becomes part of his personality. If one is appreciative of the small contributions of his host, he should have a greater and more significant appreciation of the great good he receives from his Maker. Hashem wants that the person who appreciates Him should at the same time improve his approach to all elements of life.
Even when a person eats alone, he can view it in some ways as if he is both a host and a guest. The physical pleasure that one gets is, on one hand, something that should be valued. On the other hand, it is not a fundamental thing, and there is an inestimably higher goal for which he is to strive. Again, this is not to delegitimize the physical pleasure, which actually prepares a person for such high goals as knowing how to do justice, gain wisdom, and act in a proper manner.
In order to show the balance, one should approach the matter as follows. While he is enjoying, he should be happy with that which he received through his toil. However, when he finishes and is ready to leave the lower-level involvements, he should raise his spirit to truly lofty matters, such as exposing himself to the light of knowing the living G-d. This is the idea behind Birkat Hamazon at the end of a meal. It is fine for one to temporarily view himself as his own host and "owner" of his portion in this world and enjoy the pleasures of the here and now. However, this is on condition that afterward he will lift himself up to a higher level and view himself as a guest vis a vis the physical and strive for a higher goal of the light of the real (spiritual) life. From the position of a lofty outlook, he can even bless himself as the owner/host in respect to his physical state. This is appropriate because when all of his actions are done with the proper motivations and he cares first and foremost about his spiritual state, every element of his life will be positive, including the worldly physical part. He will be able to do acts of kindness and goodness with great splendor.
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 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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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)
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)
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
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
