YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- 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 (650)
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
Load More
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
fast navigation
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.