YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Shmot
- Beshalach
The famous distinction between the angels and Israel was that since Bnei Yisrael were the beneficiaries of the miracle, they were allowed to sing. But this singing had historically powerful impact, as Shemot Rabba (23:1) says that it set the throne of Hashem in the world. Therefore, it is difficult to view this event and reaction as something that caused any displeasure to Hashem.
There were two opposing and opposite worlds in creation before man was created – the world of spirituality, including the angels, and the world of animalistic physicality, in our world. When Hashem asked for the angels’ opinion about creating man, they objected (see Tehilim 8:5; Sanhedrin 38b). They were troubled by a creation that is a mix between the two worlds.
It was Hashem’s kindness to grant His creation some of His likeness (see Bereishit 1:26) and enable man to be not only a creation but also a creator (see Sanhedrin 65b). This is possible because of man’s ability to unite within him these two worlds. Man can also give an advantage to one world over the other, as he can be involved in a battle between the world of material and the world of spirit, a battle that can have cosmic implications.
The more the power of spirituality in man increases, the more it is opposed by an opposing force, as Chazal said: "The greater a person is, the greater his evil inclination is" (Sukka 52a). The more he succeeds, the more he is opposed by powers of impurity. However, at the end of the struggle, sanctity can prevail as the victor, as Ovadia describes in the battle between Israel and Edom (Ovadia 1:21).
The angels are unable to conquer the world of material because they have no point of connection with it. Man can, as occurred when Bnei Yisrael stood at the sea and showed belief in Hashem and travelled straight into it (Shemot 14:22). Although the Egyptians followed them into the sea, they did not have the power of self-sacrifice that Israel had. In that way, there was a decisive victory for the power of spirituality in the world. It was for that reason that it was time to sing. It was not a song that applied to angels, but a song of man, who was able to take part in the battle that brought a crucial victory for the side of spirituality that changed the world.
Igrot Hare’aya Excitement over a Friend’s New Newspaper – #319
Date and Place: 4 Menachem Av 5670 (1910), Rechovot
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(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)
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)
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)
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
