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Beit Midrash
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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Asher Ben Haim
In explaining why to not consume blood, the Torah says: "For the soul of the flesh is in the blood, and I gave it to you on the altar to receive atonement for your souls" (Vayikra 17:12). The Ramban explains that although man may use animals, the blood, which represents their lifeline, is reserved for the service of Hashem, not physical pleasure. We even cover the blood, an apparent parallel to the burial of a human body. The Torah (Bereishit 9:6) and rabbinic parlance describe taking of human life as spilling blood. What makes blood so central?
A major cause of quick death is the loss of blood or its inability to get to the heart or brain (heart attack, stroke). However, the connection between blood and life may run deeper, biologically and spiritually. Each part of the body has its purpose. However, its purpose is significant only if it is connected to the rest of the body. It is the blood that delivers the raw materials for organs to use, delivers the desired materials produced by the organs to other parts of the body, and removes dangerous by-products. In that way, blood most fully represents the life of the entire organism, whether it is animal or human.
The body can serve as a model for a nation. Individuals are like cells; groups, like organs. All can provide something needed by the nation to flourish. An "organ" that becomes isolated and starved for "blood" will be unable to get resources to function, unable to deliver valuable products to others in need, and will be overloaded with by-products. Only when a system is able to share and transfer from one part to another can it function efficiently. So too, a nation needs people who can create a "bloodline," allowing its various elements and talents to work symbiotically.
Rav Kook and Rav Zonnenfeld (rabbi of Yerushalayim’s Hungarian community, from which there was much opposition to R. Kook) crossed paths near the Kotel on Erev Pesach some 80 years ago. R. Zonnenfeld said to R. Kook: "May you stand in blood up to your ankles." Rav Kook answered: "Amen." The two explained to their shocked disciples that he had blessed R. Kook (a kohen) that he merit taking part in the service of the Korban Pesach, which is so described (Pesachim 65b). May our blood always be a sign of love and cooperation.
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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)
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
