YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: The external course of affairs needs to correspond to that which is internally desired. The internal goal at the time [that Rabbi Shimon left the cave] was to restore the stature of the generation, which had been lowered, until it reached at least the level that existed in the previous generation of Ben Zakkai. For that reason, Rabbi Shimon performed an action that resembled that which Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai had done.
The action was taken in order to have the generation elevated to the point of increased light where it was not necessary to enter into toil in order to deal with questions of halachic doubt (see Ein Ayah, Shabbat 2:286). Rather, the light would make it appropriate to focus the light of Torah on a path of certainty and clarification. The attempt to embark on such a course of removing doubt needs a lot of work to implement because of the presence of people for whom it is foreign, who cannot appreciate the depth of the strength of the new light. They may think that the goal of the ruling is to be lenient for the purpose of allowing something which was assumed to have been forbidden. This could cause people to take lightly the notion of careful concern for mitzvot.
The unique turmos fruit was thus a good metaphor for the idea being applied. Turmos requires more preparation and cooking than all other fruits. After this is accomplished, the bitter turns into sweet, and it can be served as a desert that leaves an especially good taste.
The way that the spirit of Hashem, which flows to those who fear Him, elevates the soul does not require a great quantity of miracles or philosophical inquiry. The important thing is the quality of that which is perceived with tremendous belief in the hearts of the upright upon whom Hashem’s light shines. The same inquiry that leaves in doubt one who lacks a strong spirit, will be understood clearly as correct by a man of G-d. "The path of the righteous is like the light that radiates, and it will continuously give light until the day is at its brightest" (Mishlei 4:18).
This situation of light is not only connected to logical intellectual and abstract recognition. Rather, it is connected to all ways of life and to the physical body and the spirit to the point that it brings the greatest closeness to Hashem that is humanly possible. It is so powerful to the extent that it gives the tzaddik the ability to make decrees and have them come true (see Iyov 22:28). A simple miracle is enough to demonstrate this point.
Therefore, whatever place in the ground was hard was pure, and every place that became soft he marked as impure because it connected to the quality of the internal recognition that cannot be identified with external signs. Such a state of affairs already brings about wondrous things as "the King’s word is dominion" (see Kohelet 8:4). "Fortunate is the one whose strength comes from You" (Tehillim 84:6).
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)
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)
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
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.
