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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Amram son of Sultana
The gemara (Nadarim 32a) says that because of Avram’s behavior in this war, he was punished with the decree that his descendants would be enslaved in Egypt. What did he do wrong? He involved talmidei chachamim (Torah scholars) in the battle (ibid.). Some see this gemara as a powerful source against the use of yeshiva students in the army. But further study shows that this is likely not the gemara’s intention at all.
The implication of the sources is that Avram’s personal involvement in the fighting was proper. Was he a lesser Torah scholar than his disciples were? Additionally, what right did he have to kill people in defense of the five kings, including the unsavory kings of S’dom and Amora? As the pasuk implies (and the Abarbanel stresses), Avram’s impetus to fight was to save his nephew. As neither the four kings nor the five had much merit, Avram’s concern for his relatively righteous and innocent relative was legitimate and even laudable. As Yeshaya (58: 7) says: "from your flesh (relative) do not turn a blind eye."
So what was Avram’s mistake? First of all, Lot was his nephew, not that of his disciples. Secondly, they did not seem to share his enthusiasm and were, on some level, forced to participate (probably by means of Avram’s personality and their debt of gratitude to him). This is evident from two things. The gemara (ibid.) says that Avram did "angaria" with talmidei chachamim. What is angaria? Throughout Shas, angaria consistently refers to the practice of non-Jewish kings or autocrats to recruit forced workers for their desires. The idea is implied by the p’sukim, as well. Before the student soldiers were recruited, they are called chanichav (his disciples). During the battle they are called "avadav" (his slaves) (Bereishit 14:15).
Avram must have felt so close to his talmidim that he felt that his battle must certainly be their battle, as well. Thus, it would be appropriate to bend the parameters of what would be misusing his charges. Indeed, there are halachic ramifications of the concept of looking out for one’s relative, even when it has some negative consequences on others. However, the gemara (Ketubot 52b) says that an important person has to be more careful about bending rules to help a relative. Therefore, on his level, he should not have pressured his disciples.
Indeed Torah scholars should not be mercenaries. But when they are fighting for their own families and nation, they are not mercenaries. It is then very appropriate to find a proper balance between the natural and spiritual contributions they can make.
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: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
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)
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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.
