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Yes. Coercion; literally coercion. We are talking about coercion until the point that they say "yes." "I want to be forced. I want to limit my scope of choice; I knowingly relinquish my rights to independence." The people agreed to put themselves under the discipline of the rules from Above. When the Divine Will expresses itself, there is no room for human will. The person negates himself to the fullest extent, and when the person is negated, there is no room for his will. Everything has to do with the Divine Will. Coercion!
"A person should not say, ‘I do not want to eat pig meat …’ rather, ‘I would like to eat it, but what am I to do, as my Father in the Heaven has decreed upon me to refrain from it’" (Sifra, Kedoshim 10:11). Saying "I do not want it" is revealing one’s own will, whereas the whole meaning of the Torah is to negate the individual’s desire in face of the heavenly desire. There is a high level of service of Hashem in which a person negates his own desires to the point that they are linked to the Divine Will in a manner that not only does he not want things for himself but the Divine Will is his will to the fullest degree. We find this concept being played out in the reacceptance of the Torah with full free will at the time of Achashveirosh, and this is behind the idea of na’aseh v’nishma ("we will do and hear"). The essence of the Torah is indeed forcing one’s own desires to be proper.
The reconcilement of the various sources as to what happened at Sinai is that the coercion began only after the people said na’aseh v’nishma. Before that point, coercion would not have been significant, as it would not have been an expression of service of Hashem.
We can see the direction in which "free desire" can take us in the deterioration of society that is taking place in full force before us. There are desires that know no boundaries, and this is destroying the world. The situation is leading people like sheep to the slaughter, and it is an example of man harnessing his own power for his own destruction. [Ed. Note – I do not know if there was a specific event or societal phenomenon at the time of this address – in the 50’s – that prompted these sharp words, which, it can be argued, often apply.]
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)
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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.
