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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: The purpose of human society creating improvements is certainly something that can be seen differently from different perspectives. Just as there is a great distinction between Israel and the nations as far as our being holy among the mundane, so too is there a difference in regard to the purpose for striving to improve the world. Certainly our intentions and those of the Romans were very different.
Undoubtedly, the different intentions behind actions impact on some of the details of how the actions are carried out. Even so, there are things that overlap, in that they are helpful both for the Romans’ coarse materialistic goals and for Israel’s holy purposes. These matters can be called pleasant and constructive.
It is positive for someone to always seek out the shared accomplishments and use them for positive purposes. He can enjoy them and praise them even if they come from a source that is coarse and whose purposes are diametrically opposed to the proper ones that the "kingdom of priests and holy nation" has. Such a person, who can still appreciate the good, is fit to be the head spokesman in all places. With all his connection to sanctity, to Torah, and to the holiness of Israel, he can still find a place in his heart for the good he comes in contact with, even from an evil nation.
One of the important things in society is that one can acquire that which others have produced so that various people can be involved in different occupations and provide that which is useful to others. This is the benefit of marketplaces. Another benefit is to allow people from distant places to be unified. This is the gain made possible by bridges. Above all the others is the benefit of creating things that bring good health to all members of society so that they will be able to continue to be productive members of society. The cleanliness that is gained by the existence of bathhouses is such a matter. These three elements, which Rabbi Yehuda noted, are pleasant enterprises, which, no matter the intention of the one who made them, can be used for the loftiest of goals.
Rabbi Yossi was silent, as he had a different approach to good things that come from a bad source. Admittedly, it is not possible to deny that good comes from such sources. However, we always have a fear that the bad part of the internal inclination will cause greater destruction than the good that emanates from it. Therefore, one can neither protest the good nor rejoice in something that comes from a totally negative source. The heart of the perceiver is cast into a storm, as the feeling of recognition of good is opposed by concern for the strengthening of the evil people through their successes. In such a case, the heart prevents a person from reacting positively or negatively. Like Rabbi Yossi, such a person is silent.
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)
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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.
