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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
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- Bamidbar
- Balak
Bilam led Balak to believe that he was not willing to acquiesce to Balak’s request because Balak had not offered him enough honor and money, and this is a sign that he had great worldly aspirations. On the other hand, Bilam’s explicit words on the matter provide an inspiring message: "If Balak will give me a house-full of gold and silver, I will not be able to transgress the word of Hashem" (Bamidbar 22:18).
After three failed attempts to curse Bnei Yisrael, Balak told Bilam: "Now, run away to your place. I told you that I would honor you, but Hashem has prevented you from receiving honor" (Bamidbar 24:11). Bilam reminded Balak that he had said that no amount of money would enable him to go against the word of Hashem.
Balak’s statement reminds us of a similar statement made by another wicked person, Amatzia, the priest of the forbidden worship in Beit El, where the prophet, Amos, went to warn of the destruction of the Kingdom of Israel. Amatzia told him: "Run away to the Land of Yehuda and eat bread there and there prophesy" (Amos 7:12). What he was telling Amos was to go prophesy in a place where he would be able to make money doing so, not in Beit El where his words were not appreciated, to say the least. Amos’ answer is curious: "I am neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet, rather I am a herdsman and one who examines sycamores, but Hashem took me away from the herds and said to me: ‘Prophesy to my nation, Israel’" (ibid. 14-15). Amos’ answer was more profound than Bilam’s: he was saying that money has nothing to do with his spiritual work, as his livelihood was work in the field.
On this backdrop let us suggest the following guidelines for the rabbinic world. One who serves in a rabbinic position should suffice with his set salary and not request and perhaps even turn down money for additional mitzvot that he gets involved in. Someone who studies Torah and is willing to sacrifice his comforts in order to grow in Torah should accept upon himself that while learning he should set aside significant time for activity on behalf of the community. Likewise he should accept the responsibility that after his studies, he will dedicate years to giving back to the Am Yisrael from that which he was able to attain during his studies. When possible, the highest level is to do what Amos did and not make a livelihood from his Torah studies at all.
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)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
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
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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.
