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Beit Midrash
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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Asher Ben Hana
Our esteemed mentor, Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook, zt"l, addresses this discrepancy in one of his many correspondences. He writes that the Midrash, in a number of places, mentions the fact that before this world was created, the Almighty was "creating worlds and destroyed them." In other words, there were early stages of creation which eventually led to the creation of our present world. Science possesses no proof that there was never a planetary cataclysm and a new creation.
But actually we do not need this idea, says Rabbi Kook, since even if it were proven that the order of creation was through the evolution of the species, this would not contradict the Torah, for the Torah's account of creation "conceals more than it reveals," and the entire episode is one of the secrets of the Torah which is not to be understood literally.
Foundations of Faith (51)
Rabbi Zalman Baruch Melamed
15 - 19. Divine Providence and Prophetic Revelation
16 - 14. Contradictions between Science and Torah
17 - 15. Perceiving God
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Scientific calculations of the universe's age do not weaken our faith. To the contrary, they strengthen it. The awesomeness of God's creation grows more and more, leading to a recognition that, "Your creations are so numerous, God" (Psalms 104:24) and "How great are Your deeds" (ibid. 92:6). "Lift your eyes up to the Heavens and see who created all of these" (Isaiah 40:26). Faith is becoming more refined, more abstract than we could have ever fathomed. This is true regarding every stratum of society.
Thus, there is no contradiction between the Torah tradition which functions on one level and science which functions on another. With Adam, creation was renewed and a new world order began - a Divine manifestation of creation, intervention, and providence as described by the Torah.
All the same, despite everything that we have said here, it is entirely possible that today's scientific viewpoint will at some point in time change, and new studies will reveal that there was indeed a renewal of creation at the time indicated by the Torah. This would not be the first time that science confirms that which is written in the Torah after having held the opposite. Indeed, recent archaeological research actually confirms the text of the Torah and shows that earlier scientific assumptions were mistaken.
In summary, the sages of the Midrash teach us that there were stages of creation which predate the biblical date. It is quite possible that science will confirm the Torah tradition regarding the renewal of creation. Yet, even if it turns out that scientific conclusions do not concur with the Torah position, no threat will posed to the validity of the Torah; the Torah functions in the realm of religious faith, and as far as this realm is concerned there was indeed an intensification in Divine Providence and Revelation in the world at that time. This is what the Torah describes as the creation of our world and the first human being.
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)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 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)
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
