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Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- D'varim
- Ki Tetze
Another surprising linguistic phenomenon in this section is that the last pasuk of the set on hashavat aveida is an apparent repetition of "do not turn a blind eye." It is likely that Chazal understood (and this is the way the Sefer Hachinuch, among others, lists the mitzvot) that the second appearance is the negative commandment. As a result, the first appearance can be used for the nuanced idea that there are times not to ignore the lost object and times to ignore it. There may be a hint from the proximity of sections as well. The Torah previously teaches the mitzva of burial. Rav Hirsch says the mitzvot are connected because burial is, in a way, the returning of a lost object (the body), which was separated from its master (the person’s soul) and needs to be handled properly. One can also connect the mitzvot in a related but different way. One of the main sources for the concept of making halachic accommodations due to human dignity refers to special halachic allowances needed to bury (e.g., for a kohen) when he is uniquely needed to do so due to the dignity of the deceased. The next pasuk would then continue the theme – hashavat aveida can also be waived to preserve the finder’s dignity.
One of the differences between the two examples of human dignity is that regarding burial one is obligated to be concerned about another’s dignity (the deceased). In contrast, the finder is allowed to exempt himself if he feels that the situation is such that if it were his animal he would not shlep it through the streets. However, such people are encouraged to follow the example of Rabbi Yishmael ben Rabbi Yossi who returned a lost object despite his exemption (Bava Metzia 30b). The gemara continues to stress the importance of going beyond the letter of the law and concludes that the Second Temple was destroyed because of people’s unwillingness to do so.
Rav Hirsch suggests that the idea of the hashavat aveida exemption is hinted at with the connection of "do not see … and turn a blind eye." In other words, you can’t look and ignore. However, when one looks carefully, sees the whole picture, and realizes that hashavat aveida is not called for, he has the right to do so. However, when looks at the picture, he fully has to look at the whole picture and determine not only when the mitzva must be fulfilled as opposed to when there is an exemption, but also when it is appropriate to apply the exemption and when it is proper to push oneself and forego the exemption.
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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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.