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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: A person is influenced by his internal life, namely, his inner feelings, which impact on all his steps and his lot in life, and his external life, that which his surroundings and society impact on him. A person should not lose either of these influences on his life.
Honor is one of the emotions that is influenced by external life and is positive in the correct measure. One should not give up his basic honor. Indeed, in order to protect one’s basic dignity, it is even possible to refrain from fulfilling one of the Torah’s positive mitzvot or to actively violate a Rabbinic law.
Therefore, even one who has failed and violated a great and overwhelming sin should not lose positive exposure to society around him. Rather, he should strengthen his internal feelings to the point that his life is more focused on the internal. In this context, he should focus on contemplating his failings, striving to straighten himself out, and fixing his actions. It is a tragedy for the sinner whose path has been perverted to throw himself into the buzz of external life, for he is likely to deteriorate further and suffer from it greatly. Therefore, when the people of his city want to honor the unintentional murderer, he should reject the false honor and say, "I am a murderer," and thereby put a stress on his feeling of inner justice. He should focus on the remorse in his heart about the tragedy of loss of a life in which he was involved more than he should involve himself in a robust social life in which he is honored.
However, when they respond to him, "Despite this," he should not totally dismiss the influence of the external, and he should receive their honor. This is appropriate after he already strengthened his internal side over the external [through his sincere statement] and elevated his soul by turning to the values of goodness, justice, and wisdom. This is the attribute of justice that follows the path of Hashem, who sets the path for sinners and leads the humble in judgment. Such a carefully balanced repentance will bring a person to a high level based on love of Hashem and His paths.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
