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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Asher Ben Haim
Chazal tell us that the clothing of the Kohen Gadol, which the Torah describes in proximity to the section on korbanot (sacrifices), brought atonement for Bnei Yisrael. The tunic brought atonement on matters of violence, the pants on matters of promiscuity, etc. What was the choshen’s contribution? It atoned for matters of judgment, as the pasuk says, and you shall make a choshen mishpat (judgment) (Arachin 16a). The midrash (Vayikra Rabba 10) is a little more specific, implying that it atones for corruption in the judicial system. But what connection do the choshen and judgment have with the heart, specifically, upon which the choshen is worn.
The Kli Yakar (Shemot 28:15) explains as follows. To a great extent, "judgments are entrusted to the judge’s heart, for a judge can only rule based on what his eyes see. He has the power to say on the right that it is the left and on the left that it is the right ... If a judge will say, ‘That is what seemed to me to be correct,’ who can contradict him but Hashem, who checks the hearts of man? For this reason, [the choshen] was ma’aseh chosheiv (woven, but using the root for thinking) to atone for the judge’s thoughts."
The Rama’s last gloss on Orach Chayim (697:1) discusses whether one should partake in a feast on Purim Katan (14 Adar I). He suggests to fulfill the stringent opinion by adding a little bit to his normal meal, citing the pasuk, "The good-hearted are always involved in feast." The Minchat Yitzchak (10:58) suggests the following explanation of who is the good-hearted who partakes in feast. One with a good heart is he who is careful in his monetary affairs. It is not sufficient for society that its judges are just. Every individual is personally responsible to ensure that the money he has accrued and with which he buys his meals was honestly and cleanly acquired. In discussing what makes a meal into a seudat mitzva, he says that three elements should be present. The second and third are that the participants praise Hashem and speak divrei Torah. But the first thing he mentions is that the food should be "kosher," not only from the perspective of permitted or forbidden foods, but from the perspective of the honesty employed in obtaining it, ensuring that the mitzva is not tainted by sin. This is the good heart the Rama refers to, as it is good according to the test of the choshen mishpat that sat on the heart of the Kohen Gadol and oversaw justice.
Indeed, as the idea of the Mishkan was to make a home for Hashem among every individual Jew, it is incumbent upon all to wear his personal choshen mishpat appropriately.
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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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 2
The King of the Kazars, in his search for truth, starts by inviting the philosopher. This is a "crash-course" on Aristotelian philosophy and the reasons why the king is not convinced. Through this dialogue, R. Yehuda HaLevi already foreshadows some of his central ideas that will appear later.
Shavuot "Love of Torah = Love of Israel"- for Shavuot
People often identify Judaism as just a religion, but upon examination, we see, even halachically and explicitly in the siddur, that the Torah is dependent upon Am Yisrael, Jewish nationalism.
Ein Aya The Middle-Child & Anti-Tzni'ut Syndrome- Negative Attention
Although tzni'ut is for men just like women, Rav Kook deals here with the sources in Yishayahu and the Talmud which deals with the special problem of lack of tzni'ut in women's dress and actions, where it's not just a problem of midot and character traits, but also can include practical, social and national ramifications, as well, which caused the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash and exile from Israel. The class continues the previous one (Ayn Aya Shabbat vi, 29), and is a must for all educators and parents of high-school aged and young adults.
P'ninat Mishpat P'NINAT MISHPAT: A Mess of Loans, Repayments and Grievances – part II
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts