YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: There are certain things that bring benefit to mankind in two different ways: in a simple physical manner that may be similar to the benefit for an animal and in a manner that is unique to man due to his high spirit. It is proper to always remember that the fundamental benefit is the one that relates to man as a higher being.
One of the purposes of clothing is to protect man from cold. This is the type of benefit that could apply to animals as well. Actually, in this regard, animals have an advantage, as they are more protected by their hide and their fur, whereas man needs something external.
However, mankind has another benefit from clothes, in that they are a means of bringing him honor (see Shabbat 113a). The fact that man specifically is honored by clothes has to do with his intellectual superiority. A person’s realization of man’s superiority over animals is important to encourage him to preserve his special qualities and act in a refined and proper manner. This should remind him that because he has an elevated status, he needs to make sure not to get involved in behavior that lowers man to the level of the animals. It is, therefore, important for man to respect clothing, to demonstrate that the important part of clothes’ role is to maintain his honor and status by covering private parts of his body and to adorn him.
Because of the need for clothes for honor, nature saw to it that there would also be an ancillary purpose to protect the body from cold. The situation, theoretically, did not have to be this way. Man could have lived in a climate where he would not need clothes, and he would wear them just for their moral purpose. The Rabbis teach us that because of this connection between the two purposes of clothes, whoever disgraces clothes, thereby diminishing their honor regarding their main, lofty purpose, will not benefit from their lower purpose either, to give warmth. He thus sees that if the clothes did not serve, in his eyes, for the higher level, they lost their place and will not give warmth either. He will not be allowed to maintain the value of clothes just on the lower level.
This concept is intended to be applied to all physical enjoyment. Whenever there is a joint purpose, for totally animalistic benefit and for a benefit that reflects a higher level, one should always be careful that the benefit that reflects man’s higher level should remain the primary one. He should thereby be reminded to strengthen the side of his personality that relates to his godly spiritual side, which is full of knowledge and wisdom.
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
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)
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)
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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)
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)
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
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
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.
