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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
simha bat hana
"Rabbi Akiva says, 'This world is like a vestibule to the world to come; prepare yourself in the vestibule in order to enter the main hall."
One of the foundations of the Jewish faith is the belief in the World to Come, the conviction that there exists a supernal and eternal afterlife and that this world is little more than a "vestibule to the World to Come." This cognizance changes one's entire way of relating to our world and its events. One who possesses such a faith does not look for reward and riches here; instead, such a person dedicates his life in this world to preparatory work in order to guarantee his place in the eventual World to Come.
Belief in the soul's immortality, in eternal life, has the effect of making life in this world appear insignificant. Life in this world appears short, quantitatively transient and qualitatively limited; its only value is that it allows a person to prepare for the eternal and perfect World to Come. Such an approach negates the "instant gratification" attitude which demands here-and-now results, for it claims that the present is not what is important; the here-and-now is a mere means to a more lofty and elevated end. The sages thus teach, "A moment of satisfaction in the World to Come is better than an entire lifetime in this world."
Foundations of Faith (51)
Rabbi Zalman Baruch Melamed
25 - 25. The World to Come – Further Clarification
26 - 26. This World and the World to Come
27 - 27. The Preeminence of the Land of Israel
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And how hapless is one who does not believe in the World to Come, whose entire existence is temporary and passing. He knows not what the future holds in store nor the number of his days. Denial of the World to Come fills a person with despair and nothingness. The sorry slogan, "Eat and drink for tomorrow we die" cannot bring man true happiness.
The Prophets have informed us regarding the immortality of the soul. It is hinted at in the prophecy which tells us that Elijah the Prophet will reveal himself in the future redemption. We also find that King Saul invoked Samuel the Prophet who was no longer living, and Samuel prophesied regarding what was to transpire, in the same manner that he did while he was alive. And though invoking the spirits of the dead is forbidden by the Torah, we are at any rate able to learn from here that the soul is immortal and that it lives on even after it has been separated from the body.
Even today, there are people who make a practice of communicating with the dead. The Torah, of course, forbids such behavior in no uncertain terms, and every Jew must distance himself from such people, but, all the same, the phenomena itself serves to confirm the concept of the immortality of the soul.
Belief in life after death, in the World to Come, is one of the foundations of the Jewish faith.
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
