YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: We see in creation that the higher the level of the creature the greater the extent to which its life force is centralized. For this reason, the more advanced species are more vulnerable than the lower ones. That is why one can see a lowly species cut into pieces and yet remain alive. Therefore, it follows that man, the crown of the creation, has a very exact centrality of his life force.
The level of the creations corresponds to the order in which the Torah tells of their creation. The later the mention, with man being the last, the more important the creation and the stronger its life force. The idea is that the centralization of the life force is greater when it builds on previous, more individualistic forces. Man was created such that his spiritual powers should be focused on one thing, and therefore the centralization is at the root of his existence. When man’s evil inclination brings him to lose his spiritual center and allow him to wander to wherever his temporal desires take him, it robs him of his right to live. This is different from lower beings, which have a right to exist even if they lack a valued goal, because more is not expected of them. After all, man was created last, and eventually he is to unite all of creation for one lofty purpose. However, he can keep this role only when he stays on the straight and proper path.
Regarding puranut, we must distinguish between a lowering of one’s level and his total demise. People’s levels extend from those of the highest of levels down to the people who are beneath them. When there is a need to lower the level of the collective, the person on top does not feel the deterioration right away because he still retains some prestige based on the status which he had previously. Those beneath him, though, who receive much of their stature from the ones above them and have little of their own, will feel the deterioration right away. This is because people will first lose the ability to have a positive impact on others and later lose the ability to hold on to their own level. Therefore, in regard to the sin involving the snake, where the question was only one of losing one’s level, the puranut was handed out from the lower level, the snake, and then preceded on to Adam.
However, the matter is different in regard to the destruction of the flood, which involved the loss of life. In this respect, the higher the level, the more one’s life is centralized, as we have seen. Therefore, once the problem impacted on man’s central essence, his demise came about more quickly. That is why man is described as dying first.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
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.
