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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Vayikra
- Behar
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Asher Ben Haim
1. The laws of shemitta, which forbid working the Land during that year, also mandate that all segments of society and the animals of the Land partake in eating the fruit that grows (Vayikra 25: 6-7).
2. In the yovel, all slaves are to return to their homes (ibid. 10-13).
3. In the context of the law of yovel that people return to the family plots that were sold, one must be careful to charge a fair price for the field (ibid. 23-24).
4. There are additional limitations on the sale of real estate, including the ability to "redeem" a field that was sold (ibid. 25-34).
5. It is prohibited to lend money with interest, "for I am Hashem, your G-d, Who took you out of Egypt" (ibid. 35-38).
6. One cannot overwork his eved ivri (servant) and must set him free after six years or in yovel "for they are My servants, whom I took out of Egypt, they shall not be sold the sale of slaves" (ibid. 39-46).
7. One should make efforts to redeem a relative who was sold as a slave to a non-Jew "for to Me are Bnei Yisrael servants. They are My servants, whom I took out of Egypt; I am Hashem, your G-d" (ibid. 47-55).
What is the common denominator between all of these different laws? In truth, all of these laws are connected to the concept of yovel. Yovel represents freedom. A free person has the right to make acquisitions and to have sovereignty over his body and his time. The laws of our parasha give legal, halachic weight to these concepts. Along with this freedom, stresses the Torah repeatedly, our ability to be free stems from the exodus from Egypt that Hashem performed for us with great miracles.
On this backdrop, let us review the aforementioned halachot. (1) Every seventh year the land is as if ownerless, as all have equal access to its produce, for indeed the Land always really belongs to Hashem. (2-4) There are limitations on the attempt to permanently take over another man’s property or body, because one person cannot negate the basic rights of another. (3-5) One must ensure that he accumulates wealth in a fair manner, and the wealthy or sly should not use his power to get rich through usury or trickery. (6-7) If our fellow man is forced to sell himself into slavery, we are required to take steps to protect his Divine form, which calls for him to be free as soon as possible.
Let us pray that the basic rights engendered in our parasha will be kept through the principle that only a servant of Hashem is fully free.
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)
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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.
