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Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: Murder creates double damage. First, it is responsible for the most horrible destruction to the community of people in regard to their ability to survive physically. However, worse than that is the moral destruction it causes. It engenders such destruction of the human spirit, which was created in Hashem’s image, Who is good and does good, Who gives life to the living in His goodness. When one takes another’s life, he is going in the opposite direction, by taking away life from one who could have performed the service of life in the world.
The Beit Hamikdash is designed not just to impact on the Jewish people alone. Shlomo said explicitly: "Also for the foreigner who is not from Your nation, Israel …" The idea is that the light of Hashem and His goodness should spread throughout the world. When can Hashem’s light and goodness spread among many nations, in a manner that improves the situation of human society? It is only when Israel’s moral level is at its highest.
When Israel allows itself to reach the lowest level, at which murders take place, how far can the Beit Hamikdash bring the world? What will the nations learn when they see that the light still did not penetrate into its natural place (within Israel) to illuminate the dark recesses of society and remove the greatest affliction, of people harming each other to the point of taking life? Under these circumstances, the Beit Hamikdash is destroyed.
Bnei Yisrael’s internal status is such that it contains power greater than the actual consequences it brings about by its actions. It is not enough for life to exist if it does not maximize its impact. What is the purpose of life if it is lowly and lacks lofty goals? It is not enough for society to just not self-destruct. Israel has a hidden sanctity dedicated to raising the value of life, which is facilitated by the dwelling of the Divine Presence among them. The national soul of the Community of Israel strives for the best and loftiest and to function in the world according to divine values. When they are successful and people see their splendor, pleasantness and dignity, no one will be able to ask what the point of life is. The House of Israel will be complete internally and will send forth rays of light to the world and its nations (see Yeshaya 42:6).
This lofty internal state is possible only when society as a whole is humane and stable. However, when the Beit Hamikdash is destroyed because the external, societal situation makes its intended function impossible, how can the soul of the nation as a whole reach its special spiritual height? Therefore, the Divine Presence leaves Israel. Bnei Yisrael’s living in Eretz Yisrael depends greatly on their national actions. It is true that much can be learned from individuals (see ibid. 61:9). However, the lessons are much more profound when they come from the community, when it acts in a complete manner with a secure kingdom in its Land. Therefore, when the Beit Hamikdash is missing, because the ability to impact others fails, it also causes the nation to be sent away from its Land. This is what happens when the Land is defiled and the people and the Divine Presence leave.
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)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
