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Chazal summarized three destructions of Temples – Shilo and the two Batei Hamikdash – as follows. "Rav Yochanan ben Torata said: Why was Shilo destroyed? Because of the disgrace of kodashim (sacrifices) within it. The first Beit Hamikdash was destroyed because of idolatry, adultery, and murder. However, regarding the final one, we know that they toiled in Torah and were careful about tithes; why were they exiled? Because they loved money and hated their fellow man. This teaches you that Hashem despises hatred for one’s fellow to a degree that is equivalent to idolatry, adultery, and murder" (Tosefta, Menachot 13:22).
Before learning from the statements, let us reveal the identity of Rav Yochanan ben Torata. The Pesikta (Rabbati 14) tells of a Jew who had a cow for plowing, which he had to sell to a non-Jew due to poverty. The non-Jew tried to work the cow on Shabbat, but the cow refused to budge. The buyer decided the cow was flawed and wanted to nullify the sale. The seller realized that the cow was unaccustomed to working on Shabbat and offered to get it to work. He spoke to the cow, saying: "While you were used to not having to work on Shabbat, since, due to my sins, I had to sell you and you are now owned by a non-Jew, I ask of you to get up and plow." The cow did just that. When the buyer saw this, he promptly decided to convert, and he became known as Yochanan ben Torata (Aramaic for "son of the cow"), and he became a respected scholar.
The destruction of Shilo was prompted by the actions of the sons of Eili, who disgraced the institution of sacrifices by turning the Mishkan into a lucrative business for the marketing of various meat products. There is no greater disgrace to korbanot than to turn them into a business. Rav Yochanan’s explanation of the destruction of the first Beit Hamikdash is the standard one.
The explanation that the second Beit Hamikdash was destroyed due to baseless hatred is also well-known, but Rav Yochanan ben Torata adds that they were occupied in Torah and were careful about ma’asrot, yet they loved money and hated their counterparts, which was as despicable as cardinal sins. Their carefulness about important elements of the Torah did not prevent them from loving money and the related sins of lack of honesty when money is involved or from hating those who were different from them. [Ed. Note- the language implies that they hated those who were similar to them as well, as was the case with Rabbi Akiva’s students.]
Let us ask ourselves if we have sufficiently opened our hearts and doorways to converts and if we have been concerned about Shabbat not just for ourselves but for the betterment of others in society as well. Let us ask whether we have been careful to increase love between all elements of society in Israel, even those who are not in our niche. We will leave these questions open for contemplation in our lives (not those of others) on this Shabbat that leads into the week of Tisha B’Av.
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)
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
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)
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: 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)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
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
