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Ein Ayah: The foundation of all the moral ideas depends on the manner in which one looks at life – with a positive or a negative eye. It is possible for life as it is to find favor in the eyes of the beholder, from a physical and a spiritual perspective. If so, the person’s moral approach and his sympathetic way of acting toward society will impact his philosophy. If, in contrast, one looks at life in his times with a harsh, critical eye, then he will find that his internal moral approach is full of antagonism to society. Such a person will go about trying to improve matters with anger and by discrediting existing structures.
Therefore, the contradiction in Kohelet illustrates an extreme contrast in the correct approach to one’s desired internal emotions. It is worthwhile to take a look at life and determine whether there are more good and enjoyable things or more bad and saddening things. This exercise can be done in two realms: the ongoing and the occasional/unusual situations.
There are times that the problems that arise on an ongoing basis take away the positive aura from life, but one can still have special times and circumstances that make those elements of life special and justify happiness. It is also possible to have the opposite scenario: generally, life brings satisfaction, but there are times in which wisdom declares that the bad and bitter justify one being sad or angry. The contradictions in Kohelet are in regard to these fundamental points.
It is not possible for a person to be in a state of laughter on a consistent basis. Rather, it can come when one is exposed to something that is unusually gratifying. Similarly, it is not natural for one to be angry on a consistent basis. Rather, one is liable to become angry when certain particularly upsetting things which conflict with his internal desires occur. That is the reason that anger and laughter are the parallel and opposite possible reactions to extraordinary situations.
Happiness is something which can and should be in one’s emotional makeup on an ongoing basis. Therefore, whether it exists or is missing depends on how one should view the situation that existsnormally. How great is the contradiction in Kohelet about these two elements of outlook on life. One is whether wisdom dictates that life contains more, qualitatively and quantitatively, upsetting moments that warrant anger or more positive and uplifting moments, which dictate laughter. On this point, there are apparently contradictory p’sukim. Similarly, we have a pasuk that says that happiness in the face of the normal flow of life is correct and another pasuk that indicates that there is not enough good on an ongoing basis to justify a consistent state of happiness.
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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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)
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)
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
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
