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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Hana Bat Haim
Tumah usually involves two objects. One is the source of the tumah which has the potential to bring tumah to another object (m’tamei). The recipient of the tumah is mitamei. If one looks at the halachot relating to either side of the equation, he will see that there is more tumah where there is more kedusha.
Corpses are a primary source of tumah. If it is the corpse of an animal, there is a serious level of tumah (av hatumah). If the corpse is human, then there is an even higher level of tumah (avi avot hatumah). The source of the tumah is actually not something defiled but is a physical object which has lost some of its kedusha. As dignified as a corpse is and as much as we must safeguard its dignity, when the soul leaves the body, the body’s spiritual level goes down. A man and a woman become tamei, respectively, when those elements that have the potential to bring new life, and with it more kedusha, are lost to the body. Even when there is a happy ending to the story and new life is created (i.e. birth), the body from where the life emanated (the mother) is bereft of that life, which will now function as a separate entity. So, the object which is m’tameh is not evil or defiled but represents a step down from a past level or potential. Stepping down is a spiritual danger, and those that come in contact must take steps not to be adversely affected by the relative letdown.
Regarding recipients of tumah, we find a similar phenomenon. Regular objects become tamei only when they can become a sheni l’tumah (twice removed). Lower than that, the tumah is not "registered." But terumah can become a shlishi l’tumah (three times removed) and kodashim (sacrifices) can even become a r’vi’ee l’ tumah (four times removed). This is because the more holy something is, the more sensitive and susceptible it is. Following the aforementioned thesis, we can explain as follows. The more potential something has, the more spiritually dangerous it is when its full potential is not actualized. The Torah warns us to make sure that not even the slightest level of a spiritual letdown should infiltrate those things that should remain on the highest level.
As we address the main form of tumah that our parshiyot discuss, we can see that the same applies by it. Tzara’at is a painful but crucial warning system of the presence of spiritual deterioration. This system was a special gift to Bnei Yisrael to help them maintain their level. While different forms of leprosy have precedent in the natural world, the tzara’at of the house and the clothes are full miracles (Ramban on Vayikra 13:47). Therefore, only in Eretz Yisrael do the houses have the spiritual potential that would enable such laws of tumah to exist. Let us strive to maximize the potential of our homes in Eretz Yisrael by using them virtuously as the base for Torah, mitzvot, and chesed.
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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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.
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
