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Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: The practices of etiquette have a connection to the nature of a nation, which is related, albeit to varying degrees, to the nature of the land.
It is possible that the tight fastening of a belt demonstrates a situation in which the body is prepared for very hard work. In contrast, for one who is connected to the use of intellect, the situation of girding one’s loins is not the proper one, as he must remove anything constricting from the body so that he can be free like the spirit of logic that elevates him. The Land of Darkness (i.e., Bavel – see Pesachim 34b) is not blessed with an affinity for high-level intellectual inquiry, and therefore its people are more drawn toward a situation that is connected to preparations for physical activities. One such situation is having one’s belt fastened firmly, which shows physical diligence. Eretz Yisrael is different. Its air wisens its inhabitants, and their expected goal is to be learned in the ways of Hashem and to be steeped in intellectual/philosophical inquiry. Only at times, when there is a need, do they enter into physically rigorous activity.
It is true that laziness is the enemy of wisdom and that it is proper for the study of Torah to be accompanied by work (Avot 2:2). Still, though, the lifestyle in Eretz Yisrael is one that draws one into a situation that is more appropriate for the work of the spirit than physical work. This is in line with the pasuk: "This nation I created for Myself; My praises they will tell" (Yeshaya 43:21). The navi speaks positively about a situation in which "foreigners will stand up and will graze your flock, and the sons of strangers will be the farmers, and you will be called the priests of Hashem, the servants of our G-d" (ibid. 61:5-6).
Not only in the times of Mashiach but even in the past, at the time of Shlomo, much of the hard physical work was handed over to non-Jews, who were more naturally inclined toward it. The Israelites, in contrast, were doing great things in the realm of the spirit, in Torah study, ethics, and pursuits of wisdom, whether in the field of practical leadership or purely intellectual matters of Torah and philosophy. This is the special characteristic that Israel has among the nations, as the pasuk says, "His nation belongs to the portion of Hashem" (Devarim 32:9).
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.
