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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah:Belief in and acceptance of that which was said by great people is a pillar that lights up all dark places. This is so because not everyone can arrive at deep truths on his own, especially in regard to such important things as Torah and basic theological beliefs. This explains the importance of answering Amen, indicating full acceptance of blessings, which was instituted by the "fathers of the world," Anshei Knesset Hagedola and other great people.
However, the need for belief-based acceptance due to lack of understanding is a phenomenon of the individual, as he may be unable to reach the high level of knowledge of the ideas behind the blessings and prayers. That is why we answer Amen, as hinted in the pasuk: "Open the gates and let come the righteous nation who is careful about emunim (lit., trustworthiness, but understood as a hint to Amen)" (Yeshaya 26:2). However, the nation as a whole is the nation of Hashem, about whom it is written: "You were shown to know that Hashem is the G-d, there is none but Him" (Devarim 4:35).
When is a person limited to the realm of the individual, for whom tradition and belief are so necessary and important? That is when a person is in a framework of the individual and thinks about only events that occurred in his generation. Then he may see things that look foreign to him, and Hashem’s divine guidance of the world will not be intellectually clear to him. Then he will need simple belief. However, if we view all of the long history, we will see clearly all of the wondrous things that Hashem did, and we will be witnesses to the foundations of the Torah and belief.
The Mikdash is the center of sanctity on a collective level and is the place where even the individual is most likely to view matters on the broadest national level. He is exposed to incredible things: all the miracles that occurred and the wondrous unfolding of history from the beginning of time, with great Divine Providence. One does not need to accept matters there with Amen. Rather, through internal recognition, one will respond "Hashem is great and very extolled, in the city of our G-d, His holy mountain" (Tehillim 48:2). For this reason, they would not answer Amen in the Mikdash.
The blessing they would recite was "May Hashem, the G-d of Israel, be blessed from eternity to eternity." This blessing, which comes from intellectual recognition, is appropriate because the collective is not limited to one generation or period of time, but rather relates to Hashem as He functioned throughout eternity, from the past through the present
Each blessing is just a small part of a great ethical outlook that gives light within the general running of the world. This includes all the sources of blessings and praises: intellect, feeling, and personal ideas. This bit of light is lost within the vast light of the world. That is why the gemara cites the pasuk of "They will bless Your glorious Name, which is more lofty than any blessing or praise." The whole picture of Hashem’s involvement in the world throughout time engenders so much light that no language is able to express it. Therefore, "for Hashem, silence is praise" (Tehillim 65:2), and He is more lofty than any blessing or praise. We are able to utter with our mouths the greatness of Hashem according to our understanding if we acknowledge that we are referring to the realization of His greatness as it can be seen over the span of eternity.
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
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)
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)
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
