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Beit Midrash
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By far, the highest number of transgressions in the list – no less than eleven – result from mistakes of the mouth. Defamation, slander, swearing falsely, gossip, untrue talk, foolish talk, offensive talk; it all begins when we open those two gates – our lips & our teeth - & let our snakelike tongue out to wreak its verbal havoc.
So guarding our words, & choosing them oh, so very carefully, is a highly-recommended way to lessen that list of "speech defects" that afflicts virtually all of us (certain mimes may be ahead of the rest of the pack!).
But I believe that the problem is not only with the things we say. An equal or even greater problem may stem from that which we do NOT say! And so I would like to suggest three phrases – each of which consists of no more than three little words! - that can make a huge difference in our relationship with others and, by extension, in our relationship with Hashem.
1) HOW ARE YOU? Asking about another’s welfare is the quickest way to move out of "ego-mode" & into "care/share" mode. But don’t say it as an unconscious, meaningless nicety; mean it, & wait for an answer. And if the person you are addressing has recently undergone
an illness, or a trauma, let them know that you are genuinely interested in their struggle, & that, at the very least, you are prepared to listen attentively to their concerns.
2) THANK YOU. We are called "Jews" or "Yehudim;" the root of the word means "acknowledgement" or "thank you." Giving thanks, "hakarat ha-tov," is one of our most important qualities & responsibilities. It affirms that we are not an island unto ourselves; that we need others & they need us. We connect to others by the acts, large & small, that we do on behalf of them, & vice-versa. "Thanks" says, "I don’t take you for granted; I appreciate you."
3) I’M SORRY! We are not perfect; we make mistakes. We can be careless, & hurt people. A big person, a humble person, can "re-boot" a damaged relationship in an instant with these simple, apologetic words of regret.
So, on this Yom Ha-Din, I thank you for reading this; I’m sorry if I offended you, & by the way, How Are You?!
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)
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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)
