YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Family and Society
- A Nation and its Halachot
- The Torah vs. Public Issues
A rabbi must of necessity possess wisdom and compassion. But that is true of every Jew, if not of every human being. There are many areas of life that a rabbi should abstain from ever giving advice about. One should avoid those issues that one is not well qualified professionally to render advice. Many of the difficult situations that have occurred over the past decade regarding rabbis and educators and their congregants and students are simply a product of the person in authority or being consulted confusing one's role and playing the professional or prophet when not really qualified to do so. It is easy to become sucked into the morass of other’s problems and attempt to help. But oftentimes such help turns into harm and exacerbates problems instead of solving them. It is very difficult to say no to people who ask for one's help. But simple logic and clear honesty demands that one should never overstep one's boundaries or confuse one's role in society. This does not mean that one should never be attentive to someone else's narrative of problems. But it does mean that one should be cautious and careful in one's response and to keep in mind that in most cases the wrong answer is far worse than getting no answer at all. I come from a generation where rabbis were very reticent to advance solutions to people's personal issues and problems. The world has changed greatly since I observed my father's rabbinic behavior. But I nevertheless think that one should not expect one's rabbi, physician, financial advisor or even good friend to become one's psychological therapist. It just will not turn out well.
In a truly democratic society, the leaders and politicians are subject to public opinion. Nevertheless, they possess knowledge of facts that the public is never privy to. That being the case, these leaders will often make decisions, which appear to be completely contrary to those of the constituencies that they were elected to represent. But that is pretty much what we pay them to do since political, diplomatic and military matters require experience, professionalism and wisdom. Many times our leaders have made grievous mistakes, but certainly those who do not possess the requisite credentials for making such decisions should not be empowered to make those decisions. This is really the thin line dividing democratic governments from autocracy. All of the "divine" kings and dictators were at one and the same time all-knowing, great military strategists, economic geniuses and omniscient in every way. All of them led their countries into eventual ruin and personal downfall. Confusing one's role is a sign of arrogance and indicative if a personality of hubris. The greatest of the teachers of Israel, from Moses till today, were and are people who can say "I don't know. Consult someone who perhaps does."
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)
Rabbis in Midrash
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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)
