YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah:When the Torah and wisdom in general are passed on from a great man to much simpler people who are under his influence, they have to be passed on to them according to the level of the recipients. Sometimes, though, the spiritual guide will arrange things so that those who receive the wisdom will have to elevate themselves above their normal level to receive it. In that way, it is the guide’s hope that this exercise will extricate the recipients from their low position. On the other hand, sometimes leadership decides that is necessary to lower the matter at hand to the level at which the recipients are, with the hope that they will later grow and will see spiritual success specifically because they were educated according to their approach and level.
Because Bnei Yisrael’s level deteriorated due to the events of the Golden Calf, Moshe distanced the Tent of Meeting from the encampment. This was symbolic of Moshe’s idea that the people needed to distance themselves from their state of deterioration and elevate themselves. Only then could they receive the spiritual influence of the Torah as it emerged from the Tent of Meeting, which was, at that point, above their level. In response to this action, Hashem said to Moshe that he was not employing the correct approach. Hashem pointed out that despite Moshe’s greatness and ability to grasp, Hashem had to lower Himself to Moshe’s level to teach him Torah. This is the proper general approach – the great matter must be brought to the level at which it is accessible to the people. This lowering is specifically what will enable eventual success in the efforts to raise the recipients to higher levels.
That is what Hashem meant by the fact that He presented the Torah with a pleasant countenance, lowering the Torah to Moshe’s level, which while higher than that of a normal human, was lower than Hashem’s. So too, Moshe should present the Torah to the people in a pleasant countenance, i.e., on a level that suits them. That is why Moshe was instructed to return the Tent of Meeting to the encampment, indicating that he should not try to force them to accept things beyond their level. The education of an entire nation must be done calmly and gradually. By getting used to the proper level at which they could receive the matters of sanctity, they could add to their level as time went on.
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
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)
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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)
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.
