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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Sharing a Big Event with a Big Group
(condensed from Ein Ayah, Shabbat 2:283)
Ein Ayah: One should always recognize the greatness of the community. This finds expression in that major events in his life will have greater significance if he can connect them to something that links the event to the community.
Therefore, if someone is saved in a special way that has a major impact on his life, he should not limit his reaction only to the people around him. As the event is momentous, it should be seen as connected to something big. That is done by doing something that is of use to many people. That is why Rabbi Shimon looked to institute something useful.
Avoiding Conflict between Different Successes
(condensed from Ein Ayah, Shabbat 2:284)
Ein Ayah: When one matter of fulfillment emerges from another such matter, there is a natural expectation that the former turns into an independent entity to the extent that it infringes on the latter. As a point in case, when the body is developed, it brings with it a need for money to sustain it. At the end, the pursuit of money itself pushes away the pursuit of a healthy body. That is because one’s imagination leads him to the wrong impression that money is an independent value. As a result its pursuit can put a person under such stress that it weakens him.
Both a healthy body and a strong financial situation can be good foundations for a good spiritual level, which includes the ability to focus on Torah with a developed mind and an ethical state. Nevertheless, it is not uncommon for each of these elements to act as an enemy of the other. Ethics can flounder when one does not sufficiently understand the desire to strengthen the body and expand one’s society, which is built on the presence of enough resources for life’s necessities.
Yaakov Avinu’s central goal was to show all that there is no element of completeness, whether the lofty or the corporal, that does not contribute to the whole when it is understood well. Certainly, they need not contradict each other. That is why Hashem blessed him with success so that he arrived in a complete manner, in body and in money. The two together aided him to have the internal goodness of being complete in his Torah. This was a great demonstration of how, using a path of justice and truth, all the positive levels can join together. Completeness in one area ruins completeness in a different area only when one lacks understanding of the value and purpose of each.
"Not like these is the portion of Yaakov, for He is the Creator of all, and Israel is the tribe of His portion; Hashem, Lord of Hosts is His Name" (Yirmiya 10:16). Hashem created so many types of celestial beings in His world, and they all do His wishes. From the joining together of all goodness, the broadest truth, which is a completely unblemished nature, is grasped. "Yaakov was an unblemished man, who sat in tents" (Bereishit 25:27). He looked with an eye of generosity and love on every element of goodness that he saw.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
