YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah:Halachot are decided in one of two ways. One way is straightforward. The simple analysis of the subject matter, the set rules of expounding on the Torah to arrive at clear proofs, or straightforward pure intellectual logic can determine the proper halacha. This is what is meant by the Torah when describing the decisions of the judge in the context of someone with a question who seeks a ruling (Devarim 17:8). There is another level that applies to excellent Torah experts who know the roots of the Torah. They, at times, can arrive at halachic conclusions through a deep understanding of the basis of the Torah, even without sources regarding the details. This is what is referred to in the midrash (Bamidbar Rabba 9:6): "These things I have done, and I have revealed them to Rabbi Akiva and his colleagues." It also corresponds to the kohen, who rules on difficult matters (Devarim, ibid.).
This is why the Rabbis’ yeshiva was compared to a vineyard, whose fruit have two purposes. There is the simple eating, like the fruit described by the Torah, discussing one who enters his friend’s vineyard and eats grapes (Devarim 23:25). A higher-level use is drinking the wine, which is made from the inner content of the grapes. This corresponds to the deeper, hidden derivations that only a select few can access. Those who make these decisions in this manner are referred to by the Torah as "the kohen." Such people, who are able to arrive at conclusions only in the hidden manner, are called by the Zohar (Vayechi 216) workers of the field, who are different from those who are in the vineyard and are able to access knowledge in two ways. The field is a place where one is able to benefit only after he has taken many steps, as we find in the processing of grain. So too, the secrets of the Torah will be understood only after one has undergone much preparation, and before they are "processed," they are unworthy of being spiritual food for the nation.
It is different for the group who gathered in Yavneh to study the rules of the Torah, with all their analytical and practical ways, based on the divine plan to establish testaments and bring light to the nation as its national sun was setting. There, the analytical and the practical joined together. The vineyard was cultivated and the grapes were eaten eagerly, like the known principles of the Torah, while also giving off a "wine of Torah," by uncovering the depth of the divine wisdom.
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
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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Moreshet Shaul Hashem Is your Shadow – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 420 – an address from 1941
P'ninat Mishpat A Non-Contractor in Changing Times – part I
(based on ruling 85128 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Moreshet Shaul Our King on Rosh Hashana, Our Father on Yom Kippur.
Based on Aroch Siach, p. 221 (Rav Shaul Yisraeli)
P'ninat Mishpat A Non-Contractor in Changing Times – part II
(based on ruling 85128 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Moreshet Shaul Hashem Is your Shadow – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 420 – an address from 1941
Parashat Hashavua Happiness for the Right Reasons
[With painful longing, we share these divrei Torah from our co-Rosh Kollel for close to 40 years, Harav Moshe Ehrenreich zt”l.]
Israel and the Nations A Few Minutes & Many Innovative Ideas on Antisemitism & What to do About It
As we approach the High Holidays, this short lecture (18 minutes) deals with the unfortunate situation of how Israel and the Jewish People stand against antisemitism, analyzing its cause according to Rav Kook, and how to deal with the issue pragmatically & via our prayers.
Ha'azinu PURSUIT is PERFECTION
p. Ha'azinu, Shabbat Shuva
Rav Kook deals with the question of the seemingly hopeless nature of Tshuva. For G-d Himself knows that He created us with free will, which inevitably means we will sometimes make mistakes and choose wrong. This can easily be frustrating, freezing us into inaction and ye'ush (loss of hope). If one sins even once, does he chalila have no choice but suicide?! Moreover, our Godly conscience demands justice, righteousness and perfection, but we all know this is impossible, so what's the solution? Rav Kook's innovative thinking, strongly based on chazal (our sages), offers an inciteful and important aspect to this topic, especially this time of year!
