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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
We will try to find a connection between these two segments of theparasha. We have discussed recently that the ideal judicial system, which was taught by our founding fathers, Avraham, Moshe, and David, merges between the ideas of justice and charity. The phrase of mishpat tzedek also hints at a merging of mishpat and tzedaka.
The matter of shemitta for loans also demonstrates the merging of these two principles. According to the strict letter of the law, if someone takes a loan, he makes both his assets and himself "dedicated" to the return of the money. He must take all reasonable steps to pay and must not use his money for improper purposes or give assets to third parties in a manner that compromises his ability to pay. In principle, he should use the money he earns only for absolute necessities or to create further assets, which will help in further payments. There is no excuse for non-payment. If someone, Heaven forbid, finds himself without the ability to pay, then he is an anuss (one facing extenuating circumstances), in which case, due to the element of tzedaka, no steps may be taken to harm or punish him. He is not exempt from paying, just that payment can be delayed until the time when he will have the ability to pay.
The element of tzedaka arises in the context of shemitta. Loans that were not paid after the time for payment arrived become voided. The creditor is reminded: the fact that he was capable of lending money is a sign of divine grace. Therefore, he is expected to "share with the borrowers" every seven years. This is an element of tzedaka and also the connection between the agricultural and the fiscal parts of Shemitta.
We should point out that the above is from the creditor’s perspective. From the borrower’s perspective, he still has a moral responsibility to try to pay, even after Shemitta. While the creditor is supposed to announce that he releases the borrower from responsibility, the borrower is encouraged to say "Even so" and pay. The mishna(Shvi’it 10:9) says that one who pays after Shemitta is someone that the Rabbis are happy with, as they are, in general, with people who keep their word.
Because the laws of shemitta of loans are now Rabbinic and because there was a real fear that because of this mitzva, people would stop lending, Hillel instituted pruzbol. Pruzbol is a mechanism through which a creditor who wants to make sure he does not lose his loan can do so. Thus, along with the lofty ideals, there are times when practical considerations require certain adjustments within the rules that the Torah allows.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
