YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah:Life, in general, is made up of a combination of many scenarios: scenarios of torment and of happiness, anguish and rejoicing. Only when all these experiences merge together do they adopt their true characteristic, and they are called "life." One who is truly wise, who understands all the complexity of life, will not have difficulty accepting all the elements of life, including the difficult ones, because he understands that they form one tapestry.
For example, the dark of night, when viewed individually, is generally seen as an unwanted situation. However, when combining it with the light of day, so that night serves as a contrast from day, then it is a positive thing. Similarly, sorrow joins with joy to create a proper balance.
The greater a life is the greater its impact will be. It is clear that the goal of everything is goodness and a feeling of calm and spiritual delight. Sorrow, anguish, and bitterness exist just to serve as a contrast so that the value of goodness and sweetness will be that much more clear. It is understandable that one will look at all that transpires and view episodes of pain and not understand how Hashem could be behind them. However, Hashem is He who gives out life to all that live, and before Him all the secrets of life in all their depth are revealed. He knows that the pain is just like one seed of mustard or one granule of salt, which comes to spice a pot full of food. While it is sharp, without it the food would not be seasoned.
One has to look for an answer for the intellectually appropriate question: why must it be that in order for Torah to survive and flourish in Israel, special people have to accept horrible physical afflictions. This was the angels’ question of "This is Torah, and this is its reward?" Hashem’s very profound answer is that it is all are arranged according to the value of each person’s life.
In order for all to be balanced in the proper way so that there will be a complete picture of a complex life, there is a need for a bitter element. That element is horrible by itself but takes its part in making a wonderful life. This is as the pasuk (Tehillim 36:8) says: "How dear is Your kindness, Hashem."
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.
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)
