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.
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.
