- Torah Portion and Tanach
185
It is difficult for us to measure differing values and the weight and worth of any of the commandments of the Torah. In cases of conflicting values and contradictory instructions, the halachic process resolves for us what our behavior and action should be. Yet, on an intellectual and spiritual plane we are always faced with decisions regarding our priorities of behavior and action. I am attempting to muster some semblance of intent and devotion in my recitation of the prayers when a poor man shoves his hands in front of my face demanding that I give him some money. What shall I do? Shall I ignore the poor man and attempt somehow to regain my devotional intent in prayer or shall I abandon the prayer and grant a coin to the beggar? Which value shall I tread upon with my heel? We are faced with such a type of dilemma on a regular daily basis. Somehow if we can balance our priorities and not subject any of them to be ground under our heels, great things can be accomplished. And even if we are unable to actualize such a balance, the recognition of the potentially conflicting values and actions – the realization that one is not ever to judge God's commandments as being light and heavy, important and less important – is itself a great step towards true spirituality and an understanding of Judaism. In the American Revolutionary War there was a famous colonial flag that proclaimed: "Don’t Tread On Me!" In effect, this is the message of the Torah regarding observance of commandments and our attitude towards Torah and tradition.
Daf Yomi Shevuot Daf 18
R' Eli Stefansky | 21 Iyar 5785

This is the way we wash our hands
Rabbi Yirmiyohu Kaganoff | Tamuz 4 5775

Why Parshas Naso Sometimes Introduces Shavuos
Rabbi Yirmiyohu Kaganoff | 5771

Crossing the Sea
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks | Shvat 7 5780

Excitement over a Friend’s New Newspaper – #319
Date and Place: 4 Menachem Av 5670 (1910), Rechovot
Beit Din Eretz Hemda - Gazit | Iyar 5785
