YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: The value of judgment based on Torah law is very great because specifically it provides the Torah with its special stamp of a Torah of life. In other words, the Torah must relate to practical life in a manner that it shines light on the path of life, and it should not be viewed as only a lofty theoretical wisdom.
The judicial element of the Torah has a very major impact on life because social life cannot exist without the authority of judgment overseeing and guiding it. When the Torah is that which guides this judicial element of social activity, the resulting impact is that the Torah will govern all elements of people’s lives.
For this reason, Rav Ami and Rav Asi were very careful that their intense yet theoretical study of Torah would not impede the process of having the Torah rule over daily life and imprint its seal upon it. Being careful to avoid this impediment was a crucial part of Torah reaching its goal of extending to all elements of life.
The fact that they learned between the pillars and there they were careful to be available for litigants was a part of their diligence and dedication to the in-depth study of Torah. Perhaps it also reminded them about the pillars of the world – truth, justice, and peace – all of which are related to jurisprudence and which together support the world (Avot 1:18). As Chazal said: "Once judgment is done properly, truth and peace follow" (Yerushalmi, Ta’anit 4:2).
The Rabbis would bang on the threshold to demonstrate that the "gateways of Torah" open up directly to the path of life. This is to differentiate their approach from those who may think that it is enough to study Torah on a theoretical basis alone and do not attempt to increase its influence on practical life. In contrast, these complete men, as central to their lives as Torah study was, would announce that anyone who needed adjudication should come in and not be concerned that they are taking away these great rabbis from lofty Torah study. The reason is that the foundation of Torah and its preservation in the role for which it was intended are accomplished when one demonstrates how it can be implemented in practice in a world of activity and human interaction.
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
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.