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Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: Following the proper order of one’s obligations is fundamental in integrating ethical details and principles, and it is proper to set down the matter firmly. After all, some ethical obligations, which bring lofty, complete goodness to the world when done at the proper time with the proper order, destroy the world and hold back much goodness when they are improperly introduced before the times and the generation are fit.
For example, people have obligations first to their family, then to their nation, then to all of humanity, and last to every feeling creation. When these obligations are followed with the proper order of precedence, they can bring the world to its highest level, as Hashem desires.
When a person completes his obligations to his family, he is to turn to his obligation toward his nation. If he is able to find respite within the work for the benefit of his nation, it is praiseworthy if he finds the opportunity to benefit all of mankind. There will come a time when all of humanity’s many needs are attended to, when physical and spiritual levels are all complete. There will not be a need for one to teach his fellow to recognize Hashem because young and old alike will know Hashem. There will then also be complete health, as the lame will jump like a gazelle, and the mute will sing (see Yeshaya 35:6). In fact, even death and sorrow will cease (see ibid. 25:8). There will not be poverty either, as loaves of bread and clothes will grow on the trees of Eretz Yisrael (Shabbat 30b). At least according to the Rambam, this means that there will not be much difficulty in providing for all of humanity’s needs.
So what will a person then do with his ability and his inner desire to help others and be kind? He will turn to the lower creations and try to help them, giving them wisdom, elevating them with great love to the point that animals that plow will eat refined flour (Yeshaya 30:24). The tendency toward goodness will be such that formerly rival animals will live together in harmony (Yeshaya 11:7). At the same time, Divine Providence will continue to be upon them, while man will serve as a sort of benevolent king over the animal kingdom, as Hashem originally prescribed (Bereishit 1:28). All of the above will occur when the time is right.
However, there are hasty people who ignore the horrible state of the world, where the sword of one person is eating the flesh of another (see Yeshaya 9:19) and there is no truth, or kindness, or knowledge of Hashem in the world (see Hoshea 4:1). A person’s obligation at that point is to see to the needs of his family and his nation. However, some jump to try to fix more general needs of humanity instead, which require him to involve himself in many situations that are bad for his body and spirit. This person ignores the needs of those close to him and allows them to suffer physically and spiritually. Some even skip over concern for the needs of mankind and turn to doing acts of kindness to animals – horses, camels, dogs, and pigs. They ignore the atrocities to man that they see and hasten to try to perfect the world at the level that will be appropriate only in the times of Mashiach. This demonstrates the importance of keeping to a proper order.
Based on this concept, we understand that regarding the declaration about mitzvot, especially those donations that cover the gamut of the concepts of all the mitzvot, it is important to set the priorities straight. Therefore, one who has given the second ma’aser before the first is told that he cannot declare that he fulfilled the mitzvot properly.
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 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)
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
