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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.
Peninei Halakha 5. Weddings and Engagements during the Omer Period
Chapter 3: Customs of Mourning during the Omer Period
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.