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Ein Ayah: Eating meat is somewhat distant from the way of the Torah, and it is a concession to the yetzer hara when people have a craving for it (see Devarim 12:20). More fundamentally, man needs meat to strengthen himself, which is crucial for his physical and spiritual success. Were it only for physical success, eating meat would still be immoral in relation to the animal kingdom, but since spiritual advancement will lead to an eventual progression toward world spirituality that will encompass animals, it is fair to partake of animal meat until that historic stage is reached. It is therefore most appropriate for meat to be eaten in the context of an increase in wisdom, and it is problematic for an utterly non-spiritual person to eat meat (see Pesachim 49b). That is why the Torah instructed to give specifically meat to kohanim (the only other species that the Torah, not the Rabbis, required to be given to kohanim are grain, wine, and olive oil), as cow meat is particularly capable of spawning deep thought (Bava Kama 72a).
There are two special elements to acquiring the Torah taught by a scholar of historic proportions: the wisdom itself, and the clearer picture it gives of the holy Torah personality, which is collected from the sparks emanating from his various teachings. That is why one who helps complete a disciple’s picture of his master by providing a missing piece of knowledge deserves to receive a double portion [as Rav Chisda gave].
The first teaching Rava told captures the idea that it is better to sacrifice the personal high level of doing acts of kindness without external gain in order to allow the world to be improved by allowing the recipient to experience gratitude, an attribute that can affect the masses. This spiritual sacrifice is reminiscent of the great person’s eating of meat so that he can have strength even though he feels guilty for causing an animal’s death, as we expect a great person to feel (see Bava Metzia 85a).
The excitement Rav Chisda felt for the teachings of his great master, Rav, showed that he was fit for the thoughts of Rav and that they allowed him to grow from and implement them practically. This is not to be taken for granted, as there are different paths of wisdom to which different scholars gravitate, and one should follow his feeling. That is why Rava related another teaching of Rav by equating Rav Chisda’s connection to that of one who is used to wearing a certain fine garment, which is a level beyond just owning the clothing.
Rav Chisda was even more taken by Rava’s second teaching in Rav’s name because it related not only to an intellectual teaching but to a practical one, which is the highest utilization of his master’s teachings. It would have been most appropriate to capture the specialness of learning this new teaching by performing an action – giving a present to Rava – which Rav Chisda lamented he was unable to do at that time. However, the feeling of wanting to do so stemmed from a feeling of natural sanctity and an internal inclination.
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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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
