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Beit Midrash
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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Asher Ben Haim
The Torah (Vayikra 17: 3-7) says that one who slaughters the type of animal which can be brought as a korban (sacrifice) not in that context is subject to the severe, Divine punishment of karet (being "cut off" spiritually). Throughout most of Jewish history, this prohibition applied only to mukdashim, animals which were designated for a korban. One can understand the severity of taking something that was already set aside for Divine service and "stealing it" away from Him. But according to Rabbi Yishmael (Chulin 16b; see Ramban on our p’sukim) the prohibition once applied even to regular animals. When the Mishkan was in the desert and Bnei Yisraelhad the easy opportunity to bring korbanot shelamim (the owner, altar, and kohanim split up the annimals into sections for each), they could not slaughter animals for personal consumption alone.
The apparent lesson of the prohibition, according to R. Yishmael, is that when one readily has the opportunity to do something in a manner of holiness but he opts to do it in a mundane manner, he may commit a serious sin. (Of course, not in all cases does the Torah legislate a binding prohibition.) Rabbi Akiva (ibid.), on the other hand, said that even in the desert, where Bnei Yisrael lived in the altar’s proximity, it was permitted to eat besar ta’ava (meat eaten for pleasure). One could then claim that according to him, the opportunity to bring a korban does not create restrictions on how and where to slaughter the animal, unless the animal was designated for a korban. However, the Netziv (ibid.:3) claims that even according to R. Akiva, it was forbidden to slaughter even a regular animal out of the context of a korban, because such slaughter was often associated with idol worship. Rather it was permitted only to kill the animal through the process of nechira, which was not related to idol worship. We can now understand the severe punishment for the violator, as his action is tainted by suspicions of idol worship.
Let us consider who this person is whom, according to the Netziv’s understanding of R. Akiva, the Torah encourages to bring a korban. It is someone who, if not required to bring a korban, may bring the animal for avoda zara. Who wants a korban brought under such circumstances?
If we return to our original theme, the matter is understood. The Torah refers to a normal Jew who has the potential to do the right thing, to bring his animal as a korban at the Mishkan, before eating its meat. If he does not take advantage of his opportunity, his neutral actions could, sooner or later or progressively, turn into very negative ones. It is hard to stay pareve. One who can go up spiritually but chooses not to, exposes himself to great, spiritual dangers.
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)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
