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Beit Midrash
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- Bemare Habazak - Rabbis Questions
Answer:The first question is whether it is proper to read the Megilla in Jerusalem when it is not the right day there. In general, one should not take part in religious activity that is in conspicuous contrast to the prevalent local practice. This is based on the concept of lo titgod’du: do not break into different groups (Yevamot 13b, based on Devarim 14:1).
The gemara (ibid.) raises the question of how we can have different Megilla readings on different days. In discussing the parameters of lo titgod’du, the gemara says generally that Jews in different cities may have different practices. There is a machloket about different rabbinical courts (i.e., religious communities) within one city, and we pasken that they may have different practices (Rambam, Avoda Zara 12:14). Therefore, it is not a problem for different communities to read the Megilla at different times.
However, Tosafot (ad loc.) are bothered by the villagers who would come to the city twice a week and would read the Megilla earlier than the city dwellers. Tosafot claim that the villagers could not read the Megilla early in the city, because of lo titgod’du, but would do so before leaving the village for the city.
While Tosafot’s position might seem to forbid visitors from reading on the 14th in Jerusalem, we are not aware of contemporary poskim who take that approach. (In general, the minhag has become very lax in regard to lo tigod’du, e.g., second-day-Yom Tov minyanim, but we will leave that topic for now.) Rather, they assume that one who needs to read the Megilla on the 14th can do so anywhere (see Har Tzvi, Orach Chayim II:128; Ir Hakodesh V’hamikdash 27). Following are some of the explanations why lo titgod’du does not apply: 1) Lo titgod’du applies to cases of conflicting local practices regarding the correct halachic opinions, not where different locations are supposed to have different practices, e.g., the day of Megilla reading (Rosh, Yevamot 1:9); 2) The separate reading of the villagers in the city is comparable to two communities in one city (ibid.). 3) The two days of Megilla reading, the 14th and the 15th of Adar, are clear from the p’sukim and do not generate negative reactions, which was only a problem for the villagers who read earlier without explicit sanction from the p’sukim (Meishiv Davar I:17).
Bemare Habazak - Rabbis Questions (654)
Various Rabbis
48 - Removing a Licked Candy from Amongst Clean Ones on Shabbat
49 - Reading Megillat Esther in Yerushalayim on 14 Adar
50 - Disclosing Problems of Another’s Apartment
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Another question is whether a Jerusalemite can be the ba’al koreh on the 14th in Jerusalem. The Yerushalmi (Megilla 2:3) raises this question and the following explanation. Although one who fulfills a mitzva on behalf of another has to be obligated, perhaps it is enough that if a Jerusalemite reads the Megilla on the 14th, b’di’eved he fulfills the mitzva. The Pri Chadash (OC 688) understands that the Bavli (Megilla 2b) disagrees with the Yerushalmi and posits that a Jerusalemite cannot fulfill Megilla reading on the 14th even after the fact. However, the Pri Megadim (688, MZ 4) and the Gra (to OC 688:4) say that the Bavli agrees that while a Jerusalemite should read only on the 15th, his reading on the 14th counts, and Rav O. Yosef agrees with this opinion (Yabia Omer, I, OC 43).
We suggest that if there is no one who is obligated in a 14-Adar reading to be ba’al koreh, your guests should try to find late readings in their communities. If this is not feasible, they can rely on the reading of a Jerusalemite, but the latter should not make the beracha on the reading (see Yalkut Yosef, Moadim, pg. 306).
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
