YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: [While the gemara describes two approaches of people toward a host, we will view that as a hint at approaches toward Hashem’s provisions for man.]
There are people who lack hope, who speak negatively about Divine Providence, disapproving of many things. Such reactions lower a person’s spirit, the purity of his soul, and his fear of Hashem. In order that those who hear such people should not be affected, they should realize that the pessimistic approach is not based on subjective logic. Rather, a person’s approach depends on whether he has a characteristic of a positive or of a negative outlook, finding expression even in small things, as follows.
One guest sees all that the host does in the most positive light. This is not at all false, as there are positive elements that one who looks with a good eye finds, causing him to have warm feelings toward the host. He judges the host favorably, based on his knowledge that if he were the host, he would take steps to treat his guests properly. He assumes that his host has the same proper approach. One with a negative outlook looks for ways to minimize that which is good and paint things negatively.
A person who looks to do good looks at Divine Providence in a positive light, as he is confident that his own desire to do good comes from the divine spirit within him. He posits that the ostensibly bad in the world has a positive source, making him happier in life and more able to serve Hashem truly with a good outlook to Hashem and His creations. A person with a bad spirit imagines bad things and views that which Hashem and which his fellow human provide in that light. One has a choice to connect himself to the positive and to a pleasant life, aided by a cheerful approach.
The one with the good eye will be connected to a poetic tendency to sing about the wonderful world Hashem created (see Tehillim 92: 5-6). Song is a spiritual creation to bring people spiritual enjoyment. A positive person will cherish the gift of song and thank Hashem for creating such delicate enjoyment. This is what the first pasuk brought in the gemara means in context. [In other words, he will magnify Hashem’s greatness as much as he can and be happy about the gift of singing.]
The negative person will not only fail to appreciate the spiritual gift of song but will not even see that which logically he should be thankful for. He will make people afraid of him and will not see their good, as the second pasuk hints.
We can see that man was created to strive to be positive and look to be thankful to Hashem: "Have enjoyment from Hashem, and He will give you that which your heart desires" (Tehillim 37:4). This will give the person the proper type of patience – not one of apathy, which causes the world to fail. Rather we are talking about the patience of one who knows that Hashem will fix all that seems bad and lacking so that man will have all that he needs to be successful in physical and spiritual ventures. Such patience increases fear of Hashem and fear of sin, giving one a most complete love of Hashem and of His creations; this is what man is supposed to be all about.
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
fast navigation
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.
