YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: The reason that shortcomings in Torah study are destructive is that Bnei Yisrael are elevated to the point that they need to be maintained more than a normal human being needs, and this can be accomplished only by Torah. Their continued elevation is so necessary that several shortcomings stem from its lacking, as is the nature of precious apparatuses.
There are other people who are made to lead their lives based on their natural propriety. They only need to protect themselves from ethical pollutants that can infiltrate their field of activity. They are supposed to proceed along their natural path and not embark on intellectual paths that are not set up for them (i.e., Torah), which could be destructive because their souls were not prepared for its lofty influence.
Women are far from the obligation to delve into Torah study. This is because their character is developed beautifully by completing their natural gentle emotions and honesty, which parallels the national strength that men receive through Torah’s harsh power. The obligation to learn Torah is foreign to them. Not only is the lack of Torah not destructive for them, but Torah would take away from their internal, natural serenity.
The Torah is loftier than the highest level of natural morality. Because the nations of the world are designed to establish their society securely based on natural norms, Torah is not at all fit for them. Torah can also harm the human processes that are more appealing to most people’s emotions. They need guidelines based on societal needs in the present and lower but pragmatic morality that preserves society by allowing all to be concerned responsibly about themselves, which is sustainable for them. If they concentrate on Torah values, which are focused on the far-reaching goals of eternal life, its light can blind them from society’s present needs.
Even male Jews need to experience the freedom of childhood, which prepares the body and spirit for the future demanding stage of intense Torah study. Therefore, young children are exempt from such study, not out of mercy, but to allow them to develop "natural wildness."
Based on the above, rabbis were bothered by the claim that askarastems specifically from a lack in Torah study, which does not apply to the three groups who are exempt from it. The answer is that these groups are connected to responsibility for Torah study. A woman is responsible for the Torah of her husband, with whom she is supposed to build a home filled with the light of intellectual sanctity (Torah), along with proper emotions, which are themselves elevated by concern for Torah study. A woman’s responsibility for her husband’s lack of Torah study engenders a weakness in her morality.
Non-Jews are not supposed to be impacted through their own study but are supposed to be influenced by their Jewish counterparts’ Torah study. If they are responsible for a Jew’s idleness from it, this lowers their moral status and can be responsible for the disease, which can be related to any human’s sin (see Tehillim 90:3).
Childhood should include freedom and wildness but should not unnecessarily detract from the Torah study of those around the child. Thus, when there is lacking, the afflictions can fall not only on the adult but even on his child who caused his father to study insufficiently. This is because an "invisible thread" connects separate and distant elements of the spiritual world. This creates indirect responsibility for Torah study even for women, non-Jews, and children.
Various Rabbis
Various Rabbis including those of of Yeshivat Bet El, such as Rabbi Chaim Katz, Rabbi Binyamin Bamberger and Rabbi Yitzchak Greenblat and others.
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: A Crown and its Scepter – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 294-5
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)
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)
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.
