YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- D'varim
- Nitzavim
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Asher Ben Haim
Rashi (ad loc.) comments that the Torah is not in the heaven, but if it were there, it would behoove us to go up there to get it. This is in line with Rashi’s common practice to stress the Torah’s educational messages. In this case, we learn that no effort should be spared to gain access to Torah study (see also Eruvin 45a). Chazal learn another moral lesson from the pasuk. "It is not in the heaven- you will not find Torah in those who ‘raise their thoughts’ (=are haughty)" (Kalah Rabbati, 5,5; Eruvin, ibid.). In other words, to learn Torah properly one must be humble. For this reason, the Torah is compared to water, which always flows down to the lowest elevation.
Another aspect of the phrase is highlighted in the famous story of "Tanur Shel Achana’i." The gemara (Bava Metzia 59b) tells of a halachic dispute between R. Eliezer and the Chachamim on a question of purity. Despite R. Eliezer’s strong arguments, the majority ruled against him. R. Eliezer invoked heavenly miracles to support his position, causing a carob tree to move, a pool of water to backtrack, and a wall to lean. Finally a heavenly voice explicitly supported R. Eliezer’s position. Yet R. Yehoshua got up and pronounced: "It is not in the heaven!" The gemara explains that once the Torah was given at Sinai, we no longer rule based on heavenly voices. According to this understanding of the pasuk, we no longer follow heavenly voices or even prophecy in deciding halachic disputes, which are determined by the standing rules of determining halacha. We also learn that a navi does not have the authority to alter (in a permanent manner) one iota of the Torah as given to Moshe.
One can suggest another explanation of the phrase in question. The Torah was not meant to stay in the heaven, to be followed by those removed from normal, earthly existence. It was given to human beings who live "in this world." The Torah does not demand people to act in an unnatural manner, to live as ascetics or in isolation, just to sanctify themselves within this world. The Ralbag (on Mishlei 3:17) writes powerfully on the thesis that the Torah is designed to make one’s life pleasant and bring health to both body and soul. Indeed the Torah is a Torah of life for those who live on the face of the earth, not in the heaven.
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)
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
Lessons
fast navigation
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
