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Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: [In the previous piece (which was too long and complicated to bring in this context), on the same mishna, Rav Kook learned from the mishna that while in the realm of religious action, there is a need for a high level of conformity, regarding religious thought, there is much more room for individualism. This will be important in appreciating the following short piece.]
The mizbeach (altar) is the symbol of the covenant of spiritual unity, as Hashem is One and dwells within Bnei Yisrael. That is why there was particular anger against the members of the tribes of Gad and Reuven when they built their own altar (Yehoshua 22:12). This serves as a sign that the unity in the matter of practical actions will always go together with spiritual unity. Specifically, just as all the actions must strengthen the path of Hashem within the nation in practice, so too the lofty spiritual ideas must be strengthened.
A condition of the joining together of all the contributions of the individuals to one unified setting in action and in thought is that every individual must not turn his individuality, whether in action or thought, into a fundamental matter. All philosophical thoughts and actions have to be primarily intended to benefit the greater community, in regard to their actions and thoughts. Following this approach brings one to a good way of life in both of these realms.
This limiting of one’s emphasis on individualism is represented by bowing down, as it shows that one nullifies himself as an individual before the great light that is good for all, whose spirit fills the whole world. Therefore, to complete the whole experience that is included in the bringing of bikurim, the one who brings the fruit puts his contribution beside the [unifying] mizbeach and bows down before leaving.
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
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)
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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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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
