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Beit Midrash
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- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: Mitzvot have impact in two ways. One is through each mitzva’s specific purpose. The other, even greater, impact is by virtue of their being G-dly commandments, and this sanctifies and purifies the heart. It also provides the mitzva with the character of sanctity that befits it and operates within the depths of the soul so that the impact will last forever, as the pasuk says: "The word of our G-d will stand forever" (Yeshaya 40:8).
How does one clearly stress that mitzvot are G-dly [and not a humanly motivated moral act]? This is done by fulfilling the mitzva in great detail and with many conditions. If the only purpose of mitzvot related to the revealed moral elements, there would not be grounds for such extensive requirements. These wonderful minutiae infuse the mitzva and the one who performs it with the spirit of Hashem by reminding the person that he is involved in the mitzva of Hashem. Although the mitzva’s evident purpose exists, he is made aware that Hashem, whose wisdom is beyond comprehension, commanded it.
Therefore, we should look deeply into the meaning of the words and letters of the Torah along with the reliable traditions about the details of the mitzva, which complete the internal message that we do not claim to understand everything about the mitzva. Actively fulfilling the mitzvot with all their details has an even more profound impact. One perceives that there is more than the pleasant mitzva based on its known reason, for example, the idea of strengthening the Torah by giving presents to the kohanim and levi’im. It teaches him that we, with our very limited intellect and emotion, are not capable of imagining all the glory and significance of the general benefit to the nation and to the world for all generations as the Master of all Actions knows. Therefore, the intricacies show that we are drawn by "ropes of love" to the purpose of mitzvot, not just according to our limited perception but based on Hashem’s broad wisdom.
The Torah’s wording of the declaration, "I did not stray from Your mitzvot," teaches the idea of not passing over the boundary of the fulfillment of the mitzvot as divine mitzvot. Therefore, there are divine limitations on how the mitzva can be fulfilled, even though according to the human outlook on them, the details should not be important. Thus, the intricacies provide the mitzvot with their full aura, grandeur and permanence.
This idea is particularly appropriate regarding the declaration that accompanies a G-dly mitzva that has reasons that are clear to man, e.g., giving tithes. The message is to try to fulfill the mitzva without missing its specifically divine elements which are noticeable specifically by virtue of the details that can only be due to their godliness. It is reminiscent of the world of nature, where being careful about something’s specific physical attributes shows the great breadth of the wisdom of the rules of nature. These intricacies of nature exist throughout the physical and spiritual world, as set up by divine omniscience.
"I did not stray from Your mitzvot" and was careful to keep them within their character and fulfill them to their fullest without allowing intellectualism to claim to encompass the entire mitzva. It is not enough that I gave to the levi, the foreigner, the orphan, and the widow. I also put the divine light into the mitzva and showed that I am involved in the service of Hashem and in lofty rules that do not allow passing over boundaries.
Ein Ayah The Wisdom of Creation and Connecting between Its Parts
Condensed from Ein Ayah, Shabbat 8:1, 3
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)
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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.
