YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah (8:6): Completeness can be broken into different categories: the completeness of the collective and the completeness of the individual.
The first level is for a person to make serious efforts to be included in the collective. Then, even if he does not reach the level of quality of character making him deserving of great things, he still gains from being part of the collective. There is a very high level that only a few particularly noble people reach, where their high quality is important even as an individual, without the need to be viewed as part of the collective.
Beit Shammai viewed the beracha on light as being connected to the few special individuals whom Torah is capable of bringing to the highest level. About such individuals, we find statements like the following by Chazal. That which is written, "of the stream of your indulgences (adanecha) you shall give them to drink" (Tehillim 36:9) should be read as "Edenecha," implying that every one (great person) receives his own lodgings in Gan Eden according to his [spiritual] honor. It is appropriate for such great people to make the beracha by themselves.
Beit Hillel felt that the beracha is focused on bringing the nation as a whole toward completeness. Therefore, communal involvement in the broadest manner is greatly desired. This is alluded to by the pasuk, "With a multitude of the nation, it is grandeur for the King." Referring to Hashem as King is appropriate because our recognition of Hashem comes through our understanding of our world. In such matters, bringing people together for that purpose is always good. The gemara says that Beit Hillel’s reason is known because "the honor of kings is to investigate a matter" (Mishlei 25:2). In our context, this means that when something is known by a mass of people together it is fit to be understood by all.
Beit Shammai’s idea needs explanation, and that is that we are concerned with the cessation of study in the beit midrash. It is worthwhile for people to know that there is an especially high level which one can obtain through Torah study, which by itself is able to raise a person to a state where he does not need to be connected to the masses in order to reach his desired level. These are the type of rare individuals about whom one can say that the world was created for people like him. The quality of his existence is such that he is considered like a world unto himself.
Ein Ayah (8:7): It is customary to say "marpeh" in order to strengthen the love and cohesiveness of the group. It is appropriate to do so when one is sneezing because that is something that heals the sick (see Berachot 57b). The need to strengthen love based on passing remarks is needed only when a person has not reached a full understanding. When it is reached, being aware of the importance of the welfare of others is a given. Therefore, Beit Shammai put the stress on the continuation of learning, in which case, they did not feel it was necessary to interrupt it for a matter of manners as a part of group dynamics.
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
Army and War "If Haredim Should Serve in the IDF, So Should You"
IDF Service for Young Jewish Men from America
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
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.
