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Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: The main idea of strengthening the community through the joining together of the powers of the individuals, which finds full expression by means of bikurim, includes all elements of unity. It goes as far as withholding honor and the expression of the high standing of the individuals who have earned these distinctions and not allow them to act independently according to their standards. People on a high level will lovingly agree to sacrifice their freedom of action upon realizing that it brings on bad results for the community.
There are matters that are done according to the Torah in a set manner. The fact that there is a set formula negates people’s ability to express their spiritual feelings based on their personal level and outlook. Whenever it does not hurt the community, it is good for each capable individual to go about his spiritual life in a manner that fits his characteristics. However since the lack of a set formula causes the general populace to lose its spirit [when unable to perform a spiritual task well], a set manner is formed. Once the formula is set, even those who do better without it are required to perform their religious obligations in the set way.
Prayer is a good example of this phenomenon. Those who have a particularly sensitive and wise nature are more fully inspired by praying according to the manner they choose, based on their insights and their feelings, as was done before there was a set text. When it becomes necessary to arrive at a set text for the welfare of the community, an individual certainly must not separate himself from the community. Even if he feels that being limited to a set formula steals his spiritual breadth, he should realize that our work on behalf of the community includes many sacrifices, including spiritual ones, which are the greatest sacrifices a spiritual person can make.
This lesson is revealed nicely in the context of bikurim. [The text of mikra bikurim was set by the Torah itself, but reciting it spontaneously is still more inspiring than having to repeat it after one who prompts him.] Until those who did not know how to recite it started to refrain from bringing their bikurim, it was proper to allow more independence in reciting the passages. It was certainly meaningful for those who could recite it themselves to freely express their emotions of love of Hashem with their own speech. However when the public need arose, to alleviate the problems of those who were unwilling to come, those who did not need help yet agreed to have it recited for them were happy that their agreement to curb their emotions provided an important service for the community.
The phenomenon addressed by the Rabbis’ decision served as a model for many things that were standardized, despite the fact that the wise would have preferred for them to have remained up to the individual, thereby allowing them to broaden their experience. This sacrifice is the greatest form of benevolence and an attribute of sanctity which leaders make upon realizing the benefit to the unity of the nation. They see what the future holds and value peace within the entire nation. "Seek the peace of Jerusalem; may all who love You have tranquility … On behalf of my brothers and friends, I will speak of peace in your midst. On behalf of the House of Hashem, our G-d, I will beseech goodness for you" (Tehillim 122:6-9).
[With this, we have finished Ein Ayah on Seder Zeraim and the second volume of the set.]
Various Rabbis
Various Rabbis including those of of Yeshivat Bet El, such as Rabbi Chaim Katz, Rabbi Binyamin Bamberger and Rabbi Yitzchak Greenblat and others.
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: A Crown and its Scepter – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 294-5
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)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
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)
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
