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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah:In principle, when one’s understanding becomes great, the details of general ideas merge into the collective. Therefore, there is logic to give a single general praise that captures the essence of Hashem’s benevolence to us.
However, in practice, one will never be able to grasp the general idea until he considers the details that constitute it. When he does so very clearly and the individual elements, each important in and of itself, form together one great picture, his spirit will be elevated and will delight in its connection to Hashem. Specifically the variety will uncover endless light, which can be compared metaphorically to the individual streams and rivers that flow into and form the waters of the sea.
That is why the Rabbis instituted separate blessings for each situation and benefit, so that one will fill himself with sanctity, in accordance with the pasuk, "You went up to the heavens and seized spoils; you took presents among man" (Tehillim 68:19).
A Time to Spread and a Time to Gather
(condensed from Ein Ayah, Berachot 9:276)
Gemara:Hillel the Elder said: At a time when people are keeping things to themselves, spread [Torah]. At a time when people are spreading, gather (keep things to yourself).
Ein Ayah:The good ideas and approaches to improve mankind fall into two categories. There is a tendency for man to want to improve himself and a tendency to try to improve the collective. These two goals are actually intertwined. The more individuals there are who have elevated themselves, the more successful their collective will be. Similarly, when one improves the collective, whether it be a national collective or humanity as a whole, he also impacts on many individuals, who are spiritually nourished by the spirituality of the collective.
Since people possess different characteristics, they will never reach a point of stability. Hashem intends that humanity should be improved in all aspects, in the collective and the individual realms. To do this, many people need to do a lot of work. To fix individuals, there is a need to involve many people, quantitatively. To improve the collective, there is a need for great levels, qualitatively.
It is hard, in any generation, to arrive at a situation whereby the needs of each are equally addressed. Some generations possess a spirit of individual self-improvement. While this is good, it is important for the collective and its individual components to not forsake the realm of the collective. When one identifies this danger, he should try to convey upon himself and others the need to spread positive qualities among the masses. However, the pendulum can swing in the other direction, whereby so much effort is put into the collective, that there are not enough people toiling to improve themselves intellectually and spiritually, and even materially. This is important for the collective, as well, as one should not teach before he learns or influence others before reaching the necessary level. Therefore, in a generation where there is too much emphasis on spreading, one should look to balance the matter by working, internally, on his own growth.
These are the important corrections to the trends of society to which the gemara refers.
Ein Ayah Forcing the Liberated Soul to Deal with the Bitter Truth
Ein Aya Shabbat chapter B Paragraph 160
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
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.
