YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: The final purpose of every positive and negative mitzva in the Torah is the impression of goodness and sanctity it makes on the soul. Therefore, those things that follow the proper set custom in good Jewish homes have full value when the master of the house is fully apprised that they were done properly. The realization on his part brings the influence into his heart. That is why he should ask members of his household.
This is his way of knowing that there is peace in his "tent," with the laws of the Torah being observed within. When he takes an active role in the observance in the home, the whole house is elevated along with him. The good things that go on should be by virtue of his instructions. If things occur on their own, it gives the impression that they are not fundamental to the functioning of the home and that matters could carry on without them. The master of the house must show that the mitzvot are the foundations. This is the matter of "relating to the situation in one’s home" and knowing that there is peace. This is the assurance that "you shall not sin."
The entrance of the holy Shabbat is the time when Jewish sanctity shines brightest and strongest. That is the time to ensure that the operation of the home is being done in the best possible way, which shows that the proper form of a proud Jewish house is in place.
Power of Mitzva Over Discipline
(condensed from Ein Ayah, Shabbat 2:193)
Gemara: Rabba bar Rav Huna said: Even though the Rabbis said, "There are three things that a man has to say …," it must be said in calmly. Rav Ashi said: I did not hear this in Rabba bar Rav Huna’s name, but I fulfilled it based on logic.
Ein Ayah: Every matter that needs decisions contains a "close action" and a "distant action." The close action relates to the specific matter at hand – to act or to refrain from action. The distant action relates to the important results that will occur in the future as a result.
In any apparatus of authority, there are two approaches: pleasantness and aggressiveness. The authority can either act gently or with a strong arm. Regarding the specific matter before us, better results come from speaking and acting gently than from acting aggressively or indirectly. However, there is value in the authority asserting its power, as it strengthens the ability to intimidate rebellious people who in some future case would not be willing to follow decisions. Thus, a seemingly unnecessary display of authority has some added value.
However, regarding mitzvot, we know that their fulfillment, in and of themselves, purifies the mind and heart of the one who performs them. Therefore, in this regard, whether in terms of the close action or the distant one, the gentle approach is sufficient. It not only will cause the mitzva to be done in the present but also intrinsically improves prospects for the future. That is what Rabba meant by the master of the house giving the instructions calmly. It will be effective in the short term, and the mitzva will "drag along" another mitzva.
The above discussion is on the assumption that the critical matter is the long-term prospect of fulfillment. However, Rav Ashi said that without even considering the future, the approach to take in any case is, logically, the gentle approach.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.