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There was a famous discussion between a philosopher and Rabbi Hoshaya regarding why Hashem had to command the Jewish People to perform mila if He could have just made sure that we were all created correctly (Bereishit Rabba 11:6). Rabbi Hoshaya explained that everything in the world was created so that it would need to be fixed. In general there is a question of how one should deal with the inclinations he is born with or naturally develops. Should he fight them, or should he accept the inclinations as things that Hashem wants us to have? Is it even possible to defy that which is natural and change oneself?
The Jewish outlook is that we should not rely on nature to lead us to the correct path and that it is possible to overcome our apparent tendencies. As a matter of fact, we believe that there is a natural side of us that is more internal, which actually opposes the liberties that the more externally noticeable inclinations encourage us to take.
The idea of Peor was to do whatever it is you do (including defecation) and that is the service of this idol. "Be what you are, without being embarrassed, and don’t try to be what you are not." Based on this outlook, Bilam, while knowing his Maker, purposely rebelled against Him in the following manner. His philosophy was that Hashem is indeed perfect but we are not and we need not try to be closer to perfection. He said: "Let my soul die the death of the straight" (Bamidbar 23:10). Only at the time of death, when the body ceases to work anyway, was he interested in being straight, but during life, he wanted to be "natural."
The Torah has an exact recipe for proceeding morally and spiritually through the mitzvot of the Torah. For that reason, we are commanded not to add on or subtract. It is, by means of example, like a healthy, balanced diet. When you have the balance, then you have harmony between the different elements and stability. That’s why the Torah stresses the matter of Ba’al Peor. It shows what happens to those who want to just accept nature as is and do not want to accept the Torah’s blueprint for our spiritually healthy living. "You are all alive today." It stresses "today" because it is every day that we need to follow the words of Hashem and every day should be like the day the Torah was received. We are not like the followers of soccer stars and movie stars, who grow old and lose their appeal. We believe in the youth being imbued with attributes of the old and the old remaining youthful. "All are alive today!"
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)
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)
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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.
