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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: It is not spiritually advantageous to negate natural feelings to the point that one does not distinguish between good and bad or care about his personal welfare. Rather a person should realize that life, riches, and honor are pleasant and good and that being lacking in the basics of life is a problem that is not to be belittled. However, one should have a stronger recognition that Hashem’s providence is good and fair, and one should be willing to accept it no matter the circumstances. Thus, while feeling the pain of loss, one should be happy to accept that which Hashem dealt him in life. The different texts of the blessings capture the different feelings appropriate for good and bad tidings. However, the more important attitude while reciting blessings should be the same for the different types.
One with the wrong attitude is apt to disagree with that which Hashem did and ignore the value that exists, at least for the collective, in the action that caused an individual pain. The first source, therefore, stresses that one should praise Hashem and show that he accepts what Hashem has done and realize that good will come from it.
A higher level is not only to acknowledge the propriety of Hashem’s actions but to feel the need to personally react with happiness to the situation. He does not praise the specific event but sings out from the depths of his heart for the opportunity to have a relationship with Hashem and be involved in Hashem’s master plan described in the second source. He is not only understanding of the need to sacrifice his personal welfare for the needs of the collective but is happy that he has the opportunity to attach his personal life to that of the collective.
An even higher level is to not only look at the individual event, whether it be a joyous one or a tragic one, in the proper light but to use the opportunity to contemplate his relationship with Hashem. This can be done in two ways: one is to contemplate his personal relationship, and this is a positive thing. The higher level, though, is to contemplate the relationship within the broadest perspective, in relation to life in general and to the collective. This is the calling out in the Name of Hashem to which the third source relates.
The highest of all levels is to not just be inspired by a particular event to focus on Hashem but to make understanding the ways of Hashem his life’s goal. This is referred to by the fourth source, of blessing Hashem’s Name, which relates to all the glory of Hashem’s actions in the world. He will cling to them with a pure love of one who has removed all evil from himself and is dedicated to elevate the kingdom of Hashem, King of the Universe.
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
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.
