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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: The existence of sefeikot is among the results of the Torah. They are part of the whole picture, and they complete that which is missing. The actions that are needed to deal with cases of safek increase involvement in Torah study, so that the hard work and involvement has the positive impact of sanctifying participants.
However, relating to questions of doubt is necessary only to the extent that there is a lacking in spiritual light, which is combated by the toil of dealing with sefeikot. However, when the light of the true Torah and knowledge of Hashem is shining in the most brilliant way, there is no need for the darkness that accompanies doubts. The latter is needed only to encourage the development of a light that comes from within the darkness.
Those who are most appropriate to elevate themselves beyond the need for the positive elements of safek are the kohanim, who are the ones who approach Hashem and benefit from the light of the divine grace. An institution of safek, such as a second day of Yom Tov in the exile, is a Torah law that is not as good as the light of being in the Desired Land. This is despite the fact that "the words of the scholars are more beloved to Israel than the "wine of Torah."
Removing safek was the first action undertaken by Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, the possessor of the divine light that shone onto others after elevating himself above the normal conditions of life. He spread a light of definite purity and reduced the need for completing the doubt with Torah toil. Through all of this, the light of dealing with doubts in practice continued, starting with the kohanim, taking action so that they would no longer have to circumvent the place that used to be considered possibly tameh. "Hashem is our G-d, and He gives light to us" (Tehillim 118:27). "His Name is definite, and so is His praise" (Yamim Noraim prayers).
When the divine light was returned by a towering spiritual giant whom Hashem chose, his first task was to return positive things that had been present in previous generations and deteriorated due to lack of positive influence. Afterwards, it was even possible for later generations to go even further if they merited added connection to divine light.
In this case, it was necessary to determine to what extent the practical steps of dealing with sefeikot was necessary to deal with areas of spiritual darkness. Rabbi Shimon wanted to know how long the deterioration had been going on. Was it only one generation from the time they did not need to make up the darkness with added involvement in doubt? If so, it was more realistic to return matters to their previous level without needing the cloud of safek to hover above them.
The old man testified that he had seen a time in which there was clear purity at this place, and thus it was just a matter of a generation that needed to be rectified. Therefore, it was possible that the positive light of Rabbi Shimon would suffice without the help of doubts. This would expand their light in matters of certainty and their accompanying internal light. The time had come to take steps to clarify the mystery as to where there was and was not impurity.
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: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
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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.
