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Rabbi Mattityahu began to lead a community in France very effectively and so impressed the king that he gave Rabbi Mattityahu sweeping authority over the French Jewish community. He used this to further the community’s tranquility, intervened with governmental authorities, and created Torah centers that trained new rabbis. The whole community accepted him as the final arbiter on all matters of halacha, justice, and communal affairs. Also, he gave all the semichas in the country. Upon Rabbi Mattityahu’s death, his son Yochanan assumed his father’s responsibilities and was accepted by the general community and the king’s court. After five years, another scholar, Rabbi Yeshaya, had a dispute with Rabbi Yochanan, and the former moved to Germany. He made a strong impression on Germany’s venerable, leading rabbi, Maharam Halevi. Maharam Halevi issued a decree that no one should be allowed to serve as a rabbi in France without Rabbi Yeshaya’s permission, not Rabbi Yochanan’s. [The question was raised to the Rivash whether to heed the Maharam Halevi’s decree. Following are the major points in the Rivash’s "position paper." It does not seem that he was asked to formally adjudicate.]
There are four reasons why Rabbi Yochanan should continue with his authority. The Sifrei learns that not only does inheritance apply to kingdom (Devarim 17:20), but that inheritance applies to any position of authority within the Jewish community. Historically this applied to the Kohen Gadol and the head of the Sanhedrin (see Ketubot 103b), as long as the son was a legitimate replacement of his father in regard to piety.
Secondly, once Rabbi Yochanan became the de facto leader, even if he was not formally appointed, he should not be removed without sufficient cause (see Yerushalmi, Horiyot 3:5). Third, since he was accepted by the people, we apply the rule that one may be elevated in sanctity but not have his sanctity diminished (see the application in the realm of the rabbinate in Berachot 28b). Finally, since the king appointed Rabbi Yochanan, we apply the concept that the law of the land is the law. Although we would not allow a non-Jewish king to force an appointment on the Jewish community, once the community accepted it, the king’s authority is also relevant.
P'ninat Mishpat (832)
Various Rabbis
265 - The Law of Bar Metzra
266 - Inheritance of a Rabbinical Position
267 - Is a Downpayment Given to a Lawyer Binding?
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P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Tuition Payment after Withdrawing Student
based on ruling 85142 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Dividing Parents’ Resources when Mother Still Alive
based on ruling 82017 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Problematic Lights?
based on appeal of ruling 84085 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
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)
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
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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)
