YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Shabbat and Holidays
- Purim & The Month of Adar
- The Month of Adar
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Asher Ben Haim
Additional joy itself serves as an expression of appreciation and thanks toward the Almighty for the miracles and the wonders which He performed on our behalf "in those days, at this time." Now, then, appears to be an appropriate occasion for examining the attribute of joy in general.
In his book "Shaarei Kedushah," Rabbi Chaim Vital, (a leading disciple of the Holy "Ari") explains that joy is a marvelous quality which constitutes a central pillar in the service of God. Joy adds great adoration and desire to cling to the Almighty. And it is written (Deuteronomy 28:47,48): "When you had plenty of everything, you would not serve God your Lord God with happiness and a glad heart. You will therefore serve you enemies..." For, one who worships the Almighty in sorrow resembles a servant who works for his master unhappily and grudgingly, and it is written: "God’s blessing brings prosperity, but sadness will not add...." Sadness causes God’s presence to depart. Proof of this can be brought from Jacob, the "choicest of the Forefathers," who was deprived of prophetic inspiration during the twenty-two years when his son Joseph was separated from him. When, finally, Jacob merited rejoicing upon receiving the news that Joseph was alive, Scripture relates (Genesis 45:27): "And the spirit of their father Jacob was then revived," i.e., Divine prophetic inspiration returned to him. And the Sages say, "The Divine Presence does not dwell where there is sadness, and prophecy does not enter where there is sadness. We also find this principle to be true regarding Elisha and the "sons of the prophets," as it is written: "‘Now, bring for me a musician,’ and when the musician performed, the hand of God came upon him." Even when it comes to the performance of one of the commandments or prayer, they must be carried out with maximum joy. We find that this was the case with the great sage Abaye. Once, when he was very happy, he explained his behavior: "I am fulfilling the commandment of putting on Tefillin." For Rav Berunah, too, the mere fact of having fulfilled the obligation of requesting redemption immediately prior to praying the Amidah caused him to smile the entire day.
All of the above examples illustrating the importance of worshipping God joyfully are brought by Rabbi Chaim Vital, in his masterly work, "Shaarei Kedushah."
Therefore, as the month of Adar enters - may it be a good month - let us accentuate our joy, a joy which stems from complete faith in the Almighty, Whose doings are all for the best. Even that which appears initially not to be for the best, is, in all actuality, for the best. This is what happened in the story of Purim (Ester 9:1): "On that day, when the Jew-haters expected to do as they withed to them, it was just the opposite; for Jews did as they wished to their enemies."
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Rabbis in Midrash
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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)
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
