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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: A person finds himself in a tight place between his various tendencies. It is difficult to find the exact balanced approach, and one does not succeed without first having failed. The mistake of greattzaddikim is to distance themselves too far from matters of physicality, to the point that they bring upon themselves afflictions of love such as this. This helps them clarify how they should be weighing each element and giving each power in life its full share.
That which is good for a tzaddik emerges from the "rebuke" he receives by means of this affliction, allowing him to hold on to the most exact line. However, he is likely to be concerned about the effect that the publicizing of his affliction will have on others, as they are likely to not understand the full significance of the affliction. People can think that the tzaddik’s affliction is also like that which affects average people, who get hadrokan because of sin and over-exposure to physicality. Then they will think that even the approach of the tzaddik, which seems significantly removed from physicality, is still not enough to make Hashem happy. This will give a distorted picture of proper ethics. It will also make people give up hope of ever succeeding in following the straight path, as they perceive that no one can succeed.
This is against one of the purposes of a tzaddik in setting his path, which is to improve the spiritual lot of others. When he sees that that which was subscribed for him to help further his moral standing will cause others to falter, he would prefer to give up his personal moral improvement on behalf of that of the broader community. This is the proper approach of one who is trustworthy to Hashem. Since Hashem does the desire of those who fear Him (based on Tehillim 145:19), Shmuel Hakatan was healed.
There is also a point to tzaddikim such as Abaye being punished for having an exaggerated approach to their service of Hashem. This can have the positive effect of convincing more normal people from attempting behavior of extreme piety, which should be designed for those who are especially great. Actually, only the more normally travelled path of Torah is fit for the masses, even as we should not cast aspersions on great people who go beyond that. That is why Rava made the statement that he knows that extreme asceticism is what caused Abaye’s problem. Abaye was able to suffer and overcome the problem, whereas common people should not, Heaven forbid, follow such an approach, which is improper for them.
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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
