YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Moshe instituted the beracha of Hazan (on sustenance - the 1st beracha of Birkat Hamazon) when the manna fell; Yehoshua instituted the beracha of Ha’aretz (for the Land of Israel) when Israel entered the Land. David and Shlomo instituted Boneh Yerushalayim (Builder of Jerusalem). Hatov V’hameitiv (He is good and does good) was instituted in Yavneh in reference to those who were killed in Beitar, for the fact that the corpses did not decay and that it became possible to bury them.
Ein Ayah: An idea that connects all of the Torah’s ways is the connection between the individual (prat) and the collective (klal) in a manner that the prat finds his fulfillment within the klal. On one hand, eating lowers a person to the realm of coarse senses and individualistic, animalistic enjoyment. Hashem has us counteract that by preparing a "ladder that is positioned on the ground whose top reaches the Heavens," taking us from the lowness of the prat to the heights of the klal.
Even when building the klal, one begins with pratim, first ensuring the individuals’ physical sustenance before getting to the klal’s physical sustenance. The next step is to bring the individuals into a national individualistic entity that is concerned with its own survival and characteristics. When this is completed, the nation can concern itself with the ultimate klal, as it strives to galvanize together all the nations, as all are created in Hashem’s image.
During the time of exile, torment and dispersion cause concern for the loss of the great hope for the ultimate future, as it requires a strong leading nation at the nucleus of humanity to help improve it. Yet we may be consoled with the promise that even when we are comparable to corpses, we will not lose our individual character. Hashem will keep our spirit alive and we will re-form toward the end of time. We will call out to all in Hashem’s Name so that nothing will prevent the connection between the uniqueness of the individual and the loftiest level of collectiveness.
[These concepts connect to the berachot of Birkat Hamazon.] The beracha on food, which Moshe instituted, deals with personal physical sustenance. On one hand, it is enough to focus in the beginning on the individual, who is the necessary building block of the klal. Moshe’s generation of desert dwellers prepared the nation for all future stages. Thus, they were sustained with the miraculous manna, which became known to all the nations of the world, and other miracles that pointed the way to great future events. The next stage was to enter Eretz Yisrael and become occupied with the natural development of a unique nation, prompting Yehoshua to institute a second beracha. Next, the Kings of Israel built a general spiritual center for the entire nation to which the third beracha corresponds. David wrote the first part, which stresses the Beit Hamikdash’s importance to the national spiritual effort, whereas Shlomo added the piece on "the great and holy house," stressing its ultimate goal to serve all of humanity (see Melachim I, 8:60).
Every Jew should be thankful for his personal food, allowing him to be a part of the klal. He should not be afraid that due to exile, his unique nation is hopeless. That is why the fourth beracha, corresponding to the story of Beitar, was instituted. It is a reminder that the defeated Jewish nation retained its form and dignity. This is a sign that at some time, even in the distant future, rejuvenation will come. Hashem will resurrect our nation at the end of days as He has the power to resurrect the dead. The bodies in Beitar did not decay and smell putrid, which is a sign that we will be able to have a positive impact on others. Thus when we come to eat, we will not be depressed to the point of missing the light of truth. We will remember that Hashem’s grace is on all His creations and thank Him for the food that enables us to reach great spiritual attainments.
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
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
Lessons
fast navigation
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)
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.
