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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: There is much to be learned from the dream imagery of a scholar of Rava’s level, who was focused on spiritual not material success. How could a revered, peace-loving man of such fine attributes find himself in a situation of being hit, and not by one person but by two enemies of each other?
The blows that someone of Rava’s stature "ingests" are like food for him. However, it is not very nutritionally laden "food" for the spirit but just "like vegetables." The stick is thus reminiscent of slices of turnip. It has some value in that it gives experience to a person to distinguish between those things he would like to tell others that are likely to be accepted and those that will not. He thus learns when to give rebuke and guidance to others.
In any case, how did Rava, who, we are told, spent all day in the beit midrash, become subject to a beating? The story hints at the answer: the quarrelers were blind. Rava, with pure intentions, wanted to make peace between them. However, they, not being able to recognize him or the type of person he was, got angry at Rava for trying to stop their fight, which they were set on continuing, and thereby became enemies of Rava.
This serves as a parable for the common occurrence of people who have blind hearts, with each side seeing the truth only of his own extreme position. Since each is blind to a rational look at the truth, he hates anyone who wants to make peace between him and the one he opposes.
When the wise man sees that his attempt at peace-making is not being well-received, to the extent that the combatants are now hitting him, he decides to apply the rule that one should not say something that will not be accepted. That is why Rava said that two is enough. This message is particularly pertinent for someone like Rava, who, as a dayan and rabbinic leader in the city of Mechoza, felt that he was hated by many townspeople (Ketubot 105b). This connects to the statement that if a rabbi is too popular in his city it is not because he is a good rabbi but because he does not rebuke them as he should in spiritual matters.
Therefore, the dream together with the occurrence impacted Rava. It is not intrinsically good for a scholar to remain silent when there is what to protest. However, silence may be necessary, and it also lends a special standing to those statements that the people can accept. Therefore, it is like vegetables, which do not provide all the nutrients one needs but can suffice in a place where there is no meat and fish.
Without a compelling event to teach him the lesson, it is hard for someone of a noble heart to remain passive when there is a conflict between "blind people," where one feels that if they just realized that their blindness was the cause of the conflict, precious peace could have been achieved. However, experience shows that it is not always possible to prevent wrong things. Rava felt at the point that one halachic opinion states is limit of rebuking: until people come to hit the one who rebukes (see Arachin 16b). The point was brought home when both blind people, who Rava wanted to spare pain, wanted to hurt him. Then Rava realized that he had to overcome the feeling that pushed him to act.
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
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
