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There is a third Mitzva, found in our Sedra, which also promises arichat yamim; long life, and that is the Mitzva of Even Sh’lema, having honest weights and just measures (25:13-15).
What is the connection between these three Mitzvot?
The link between honoring parents and living longer makes perfect sense. If we take good care of our father and mother – attending to their needs when they get older and may be incapable of fending for themselves – then our children will see what we did for our parents, and they, in turn, will follow our example and (hopefully) do the same for US. This will invariably help us to live longer.
The same dynamic applies to the law of shiluach hakeyn. As the Ramban explains, this act of kindness to a member of the animal kingdom helps to instill compassion within us, so that we will surely care for our flesh-and-blood mother (and father) and treat them, too, with loving
kindness when they need our assistance.
But what about the weights and measures? How does this third Mitzva link up to the other two?
The commandment of even sh’lema is not just about being scrupulous in our business dealings. It is about the greater virtues of integrity, and honesty. We must do that which is right and fair in ALL our actions, not just in the workplace. And if we are to be truly honest, we will surely
acknowledge the massive debt we owe to our parents.
Did they not do anything and everything for us in our tender years? Did they not shower us with love, sacrifice for us, place all their hopes and dreams in us? When we were small and vulnerable, they protected us, fed us, guided us. And now – when age has reduced their capabilities – it is OUR turn to do the right thing and see to THEIR needs.
Fascinating, isn’t it? The Hebrew word "even" – stone, or weight - is a combination of "av" and "ben;" parent and child! When we honestly and fairly weigh our debt to Ima and Abba, and do the right thing, their lives will be lengthened and ours will certainly be blessed.
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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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 2
The King of the Kazars, in his search for truth, starts by inviting the philosopher. This is a "crash-course" on Aristotelian philosophy and the reasons why the king is not convinced. Through this dialogue, R. Yehuda HaLevi already foreshadows some of his central ideas that will appear later.
Shavuot "Love of Torah = Love of Israel"- for Shavuot
People often identify Judaism as just a religion, but upon examination, we see, even halachically and explicitly in the siddur, that the Torah is dependent upon Am Yisrael, Jewish nationalism.
Ein Aya The Middle-Child & Anti-Tzni'ut Syndrome- Negative Attention
Although tzni'ut is for men just like women, Rav Kook deals here with the sources in Yishayahu and the Talmud which deals with the special problem of lack of tzni'ut in women's dress and actions, where it's not just a problem of midot and character traits, but also can include practical, social and national ramifications, as well, which caused the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash and exile from Israel. The class continues the previous one (Ayn Aya Shabbat vi, 29), and is a must for all educators and parents of high-school aged and young adults.
P'ninat Mishpat P'NINAT MISHPAT: A Mess of Loans, Repayments and Grievances – part II
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts