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The Torah does not bind one to the restrictions of a nazir automatically and does not instruct a person to accept it upon himself. Yet the Torah has several hints at a very positive outlook on the practice. First, the Torah describes the process of making oneself a nazir as being "for Hashem" (Bamidbar 6:2). He is then described, during his nezirut, as being "holy to Hashem" (ibid. 8). As the Seforno expounds: "He merited having the light of life and being ready to understand and teach, as is fit for the holy people of the generation." This is in line with the Ramban’s explanation of the sin-offering that a nazir brings after his nezirut. The Ramban says that he is a sinner, in that he had experienced the sanctity of the service of Hashem of a nazir and should have continued that state forever. When he returns to the world of physical desires, he needs atonement.
However, the Talmud does prominently cite the very different approach of Rabbi Elazar Hakapar, who says that the nazir’s sin is causing himself pain by preventing himself from drinking wine (Ta’anit 11a). The Yerushalmi (Nedarim 9:1) says: "It is not enough for you what the Torah prohibited that you forbid yourself in other things?" The Rambam writes that he had not heard a more wonderful idea than this.
There is somewhat of a compromise approach in Chazal, which Rashi cites in our parasha. The discussion of the nazir follows the discussion of the woman who is suspected of infidelity to her husband. The gemara (Nedarim 9b) says that when a person is exposed to such a negative influence that pushes him in the direction of illicit relations, it is the correct time to make an oath of nezirut. It then tells an interesting story of one whose evil inclination independently was starting to get aroused, and he decided to become a nazir in order to temper it. Rabbi Shimon Hatzaddik, who was generally critical of nezirut, was highly impressed and said: "My son, may there be many nezirim like you in Israel."
The lesson from that gemara is that nezirut is not appropriate for all, and it is not only unnecessary but harmful under normal circumstances. It is sinful to deprive oneself when there is no need. However, it is necessary and effective as a measure for emergencies, whether the evil inclination is aroused by what it sees within society or individually. We learn this concept from Shimshon (discussed in the haftara) as well. He had a stormy life of ups and downs and was endowed with great bravery but strong desires. That background helps us understand the Divine guidance that decreed that he should be a nazir, with the hope that it would help him survive spiritually as a non-traditional Jewish savior at one of the most difficult times of the period of the Judges.
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 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)
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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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
