YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: There are two ways in which Shabbat sanctifies Israel. One is that it sanctifies and elevates Israel through the innate holiness of the day to a level that exceeds anything that exists in the mundane world. Shabbat also takes all that is mundane and lowly within the weekdays’ activities and elevates them through their connection to Shabbat.
Even without any conscious awareness, the Jewish soul elevates itself even during the week by remembering Shabbat. In the process, matters that would otherwise be lowly become less lowly than they would appear to be, as they become elevated by means of Shabbat’s sanctity. A person can be involved most of the time in mundane work and still have sanctity very close to his heart so that his life revolves around holiness. Thus, based on the degree to which a person is able to link his soul to Hashem and cling to His goodness and justice, we must view him in a very positive manner despite his great involvement (time-wise) in fleeting life.
Twilight is the gateway between the past and the future and between the mundane and holy. At that point, the holy can impact on the mundane by means of their connection. Mundane matters seem very coarsely material and lowly. However, they may have a subtle inner power that can only be detected by means of a sensitive feeling. This feeling is comparable to the sense of smell, which nourishes the spirit and not the body. Sanctity can provide the mundane with the power of diligence, to the point that even an old person can be filled with great energy. Even though the mundane is impacted by the holy, it is not that the holy becomes an appendage of the mundane, but rather it remains on its own level.
Let us see how these ideas connect to the story at hand, which took place as Shabbat was about to begin, the time of closest connection between mundane and holy. An old man, who should have been beyond the point where he would have the energy to run, was doing just that. That which energized him were the fragrant branches that were to be smelled on Shabbat in its honor. This showed the type of internal spiritual feeling that is associated with Shabbat.
The old man explained that he needed two branches, corresponding to zachor and to shamor. That is because zachor relates to the connection between Shabbat and the mundane week and shamor relates to observing Shabbat in regard to itself.
Rabbi Shimon was impressed and observed that the sanctity of practical mitzvot could be the soul that dwells in the midst of the whole of the actions a person takes, even though they look so simple. He and his son were now at ease and were no longer upset with the situation whereby eternal life (i.e., Torah study) is, for many, swallowed up by fleeting life. This is because, within Israel, even fleeting life has a strong connection to eternal life. This connection gives renewal and power to those who stumble and are tired, enabling them to be energetic in their service of Hashem even in old age. The idea of making the old youthful can only be accomplished when mundane actions leave the realm of the mundane and are connected to the sacred in an equivalent way to the interaction between eternal life and fleeting life.
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
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
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)
