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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: [In previous pieces, we saw what someone should think positively while reciting the blessing for bad things that occurred.] A statement is more individually oriented and more external than an internal thought. When a person gets used to saying, "All that is done from the Heavens is for the good," it will have an effect on the more inclusive and internal. In practice, as well, while the idea that everything is for the good relates to the collective [for sometimes the individual suffers for the benefit of the collective], the sense of security that it spawns can elevate an individual to the level of the collective.
[Let us now analyze the details of the story involving Rabbi Akiva.] There are various ways in which apparently bad things can come to a person. One way is by means of another person, who has free choice to either do bad or refuse to do good for his counterpart. Secondly, an animal, which is driven by his own needs, can cause damage to a person. Finally, some inanimate natural force can wreak havoc on a person in a very specific way that is precisely ordained from Above.
Each of these categories is found in Rabbi Akiva’s story and through them all Rabbi Akiva was actually saved from the captors who came to the town. The people of the town made the ostensibly harmful and cold-hearted decision to not allow Rabbi Akiva a place of lodging. The lion killed the donkey as it is apt to do, in a manner that deprived Rabbi Akiva of the source of transportation he needed, and the cat killed the rooster, which Rabbi Akiva needed for spiritual reasons (to get up early for Torah study and prayer). These too turned out to help save Rabbi Akiva through Divine Providence especially as it relates to those who fear Hashem. The final, apparently negative element was the blowing out of the candle. The loss of light, which brings happiness to the heart and soul, also turned out to be positive.
This story teaches us that one should not be overly perturbed when things seem to not go well, whether he is afflicted by human adversaries or by other means, and whether it affects him in the realm of worthy physical needs or spiritual ones. Everything is planned by Hashem in a complicated manner that, at the end, will bring about his salvation. If a person has a positive outlook on that which is happening to him, he can remain in good spirits, which can bring him better success in matters of Torah, knowledge, and fear of Hashem.
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
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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.
