YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: Fear and love are two emotions that a person has to acquire in order to walk on the pure path of Hashem. The broad results of fear are the lowering of one’s spirit and the retreat in one’s efforts so that one will not burst forth beyond his boundaries and thereby damage the good path. This is the opposite of the effect of love, which expand one’s powers so that he can accomplish ever-increasing good things.
One cannot know exactly how to create the proper balance between the different emotions he should cultivate. At what times should he focus on internalizing fear of Hashem? When should he focus on love of Hashem, which widens the heart?
The best idea is to take a look at the standing of the broad community and to see how Hashem is acting toward the world. There can be great swings in the mood. Sometimes there is a spirit of happiness and excitement, and sometimes there are stormy times that contain frightening circumstances. An individual should view himself as part of the general situation of the world, at least that part of the world that is close to him. The situation around him should be the greatest indicator of whether it is appropriate to focus on a fear that serves as a roadblock to powers of evil, or whether he should increase acquisition of love that expands his positive powers.
When there is pain in the world, this is a sign that there had been a lacking in those characteristics that are related to pain in the generation. Rav Kahana would then clench his hands and remove his cloak before davening to stress that it was necessary to increase the level of fear. When there was peace in the world, it was time to expand the powers of goodness. At that time he would "wear" happiness and cloak himself in clothes of honor and grandeur. This was to widen his heart, increase the vigor in performing good deeds, and expand the completeness of the mind and the light of Hashem. He did this in the spirit of "Prepare for approaching your G-d, O Israel."
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
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
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.
