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Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah:It is important to realize that Bnei Yisrael is its own distinct and unique entity in the world, with its own special laws. It is not merely due to the needs of a simple religion within which a person tries to draw close to his Maker in actions and thoughts. If the focus were just on the individual, not the nation, there would not be a need for such a separate nation. It would suffice to inculcate the people with a spirit of Torah and attach an emotion of sanctity, as is common among nations, and we could serve Hashem in a manner that is compatible with the service of other nations.
That is why the emissaries talked about going up to a mountain, which symbolizes that which is common among the nations of the world. The foundation of Israel is from Yaakov, who called his place of worship a house (see Pesachim 88a), which is set off from its surroundings by walls. The separations are not just to provide individuals with their own eternal spiritual experience. Rather, Hashem’s idea is for Israel to be a special nation with a special character. Specifically through this standing of uniqueness, when the nation will maximize its spiritual potential in the End of Days, it will bring great light to the whole world.
For this reason, it would be a bad mistake to join in the service of Hashem with other nations before that point, even if the latter accepted basically correct tenets in certain areas of philosophy. This is a mistake that could occur if someone saw the Torah as a religion of the individual, for his personal enrichment, without stressing the idea of the "Torah of Israel."
The mistaken could go and build an altar outside of Eretz Yisrael, which they would find appropriate when this is what their spirits dictate it. Similarly the desire to play a musical instrument is logical when one does not realize that well beyond individualism lies the foundation of the Torah, which can light up the whole world from the light of Israel (see Yeshaya 10:17). The deep personal gain that individuals receive from their Maker stems from the great gift that Hashem will give the Nation of Israel and the whole world. This occurs when Israel stands as a strong nation with special characteristics, when the people will return to Him specifically in the Land of the Forefathers, which they received as an eternal inheritance.
Thus, the part that everyone has in the G-d of Israel is possible only when they join their individual service of Hashem with that of the nation, thereby connecting it to the holiest, most complete spiritual goals. When one distances himself from this connection, he loses his connection to the G-d of Israel as well. Therefore, one must learn and fulfill Torah with a belief in the nation, which is connected to the covenant with Hashem and His Land.
When the people reconfirmed their connection to the national Torah, they emotionally felt the sanctity of the forefathers and the covenant, which explains their weeping. They stated their true desire to avoid the mistake of individualism and committed themselves to the value of the nation in its Land, bringing light to all nations of the world, proclaiming: "We have a part in the G-d of Israel."
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)
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)
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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.
