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- Ein Aya
Ein Ayah: All of the pleasant things that are of value in a person’s life, especially in bringing him to the ways of Torah, can be attractive to a person when he reaches this desired purity of his heart and spirit. As lofty as that state is, when his Torah becomes one with his flesh and blood and he becomes a symbol of honor and "his heart and flesh will sing praise to the living G-d" (based on Tehillim 84:3), there is still danger.
If he is drawn in by that which is truly pleasant in the world, such as sanctity, purity, and uprightness, based on his feelings and instinct, his connection to these things is limited and subject to change. After all, every man has falsehood in him (see Tehillim 116:11). The greatest ideas are only as great to a person as his own level at a given time. They are just a sign that there are great ideas that emerge from the light of truth shining on the pure spirit that is sanctified from its impurity and follows the divine with simple truth and great wisdom. It is not wise to trust a human’s small heart to make it the storehouse for such great things.
Not only do man’s perceptions change, but even the loftiest perceptions he is capable of are not authentic. Therefore, the greatest and safest approach is that man’s perception should be put in line with the absolute divine perception – with the divine knowledge and dominion that transcends all boundaries and human thoughts.
This is the foundation of fear of Hashem, which also emerges from love of Him. Love is built on the elements of the divine that we can observe and appreciate, although it extends from that point to boundless loftiness. Fear of Hashem is based on the recognition that one must negate that which is improper. This is related to the foundation of truth that is responsible for the value of every desirable thing, whether practical or philosophical, which is at the depth and height of godliness and the power of the infinite. This is a storehouse of life, and all that is stored there is unchanging.
The changes in a person’s feelings can help him picture different concepts of goodness and sanctity in a way that extends beyond normal bounds. Therefore, even after one has uncovered broad truths through the study of Torah as described by the pasuk that the gemara analyzes, it is not his internal feelings and perceptions that are critical. Rather, the storehouse is fear of Hashem. It is the fear that comes with the recognition that goodness and truth lie together with the source of goodness and truth. It is only along with a fear of purity that one can approach the great acquisitions that are stored in the treasure houses. These last eternally, and their great power influences all the good that they are supposed to eternally supply the individual and the collective.
Igrot Hare’aya Excitement over a Friend’s New Newspaper – #319
Date and Place: 4 Menachem Av 5670 (1910), Rechovot
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)
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
