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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: There are two sides to the inclination to beauty – a positive and a negative one. On the one hand, it uplifts the soul and has a good and honorable impact on the eyes that see it. On the other hand, a person could become lost in it, thereby losing his basic reason for his success. The basis of a person’s internal success is his realization that his happiness is always to be found within himself, his heart and soul. He should not seek it from others.
The inclination toward beauty enslaves a person to others, as most aesthetic things depend on the eye of the beholder. This distances a person from the way of truth and true fear of Heaven, which is based on the lofty idea of "the candle of Hashem is the soul of man who searches the inner chambers" (Mishlei 20:27). The highest goodness derives from one’s internal integrity, based on his deep desire for goodness, justice and integrity, not by finding favor in the eyes of others.
Therefore, both inclinations must find things to strengthen them. Those who seek beauty, to find favor in the eyes of others, benefit not only from the uplifting nature of the beauty. It also develops and enhances society, as it makes people interdependent one on another regarding matters they have agreed upon.
However, there are unique individuals whose focus is on their own self-improvement, piety, and sanctity. Only indirectly will great goodness come from these holy people to society in general. They bring great benefit to the broad society. These people do not influence others by their actions, but by their essence, as opposed to those who influence by their actions.
It is more fitting for those hidden people, whose goodness resonates when they are inwardly focused, to despise beauty and splendor, nullifying any search for finding favor in the eyes of their surroundings. This inclination toward absolute truth will bring forth an abundance of good, peace and inner tranquility, as well as holiness of the heart and a depth of the soul.
There are others whose purpose is to influence directly through actions and speech. Those, who impact the world directly, are by nature connected to this world. Bringing goodness and honor through beauty is part of their holy service. They need to wash their faces, hands and feet in honor of their Creator, for this is the honor of Hashem. This good influence of holy people, righteous and wise Jews, has a great impact on others. This will increase the attribute of shame, as everyone will find themselves enslaved to a society that does right and good. This benefit outweighs the detriment of those who try to use external beauty to blind the other’s eye, and lose all sense of their inner self, which is given to each individual person.
Through these two inclinations together, the good and right things will emerge. "These and these are the words of the living G-d."
Ein Ayah Caution between Inspiration and Greater Inspiration
Condensed from Ein Ayah, Shabbat 9:22-24
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)
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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.
