YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Shabbat and Holidays
- Yom Kippur
- The Essence of Yom Kippur
People know Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur by the name "Yamim Noraim," which means the Fearful Days. However, Chazal define them as days of light and of salvation, respectively (Vayikra Rabba 21:4, based on Tehillim 27:1). Certainly these days evoke fear. When a person stands face to face, so to speak, with the Creator of the World, who forgets nothing and from whom nothing is concealed, he naturally has elements of panic. If he can justify himself before people with 150 excuses and explanations, he knows he cannot succeed before He who knows all thoughts.
There are times that a person can fool himself and quiet his conscience with all sorts of excuses. At other times, he knows that he did something bad, but he tries to forget it. After all, that which was done was already done, and why should one agonize over the past? But, in truth, one needs to give an accounting for what he has done, and after he has died, he comes before Hashem as if he is still alive, and the evil action serves as a prosecutor against him: "Why did you do that?!" How fearful is the Day of Judgment?! What will be of us on the day of rebuke?!
However, hand-in-hand with the feeling of fear, the feeling of regret is awakened within us, and this is the mother of teshuva (repentance). It is impossible to ignore the past, but it is very possible to fix it. Every bad action carries with it an element of darkness. It creates a haze around our thought process and startles our senses, making us feel powerless. It is as if the evil is stronger than us, so that we are forced to accept the evil inclination’s will. One is like a mindless robot, controlled by someone else. The actions he will perform are dictated, and he is the not the master of his own destiny.
Then a beam of light shines forth to the dark corners of the soul. At first, one tries to avoid it and keep things dark. However, when one does not succeed and the light comes streaming in and penetrating deeper and deeper, he finally tries to change his course and recognize what he needs to do instead of being allusive. After all, we simply need to line up our actions with what is appropriate for us.
How fortunate are we who are unable to ignore our mistakes and that there really is a divine eye that observes us and a guiding hand that helps us cast off the filth and disgust. If evil actions are darkness, then at least there is one day a year, the Day of Atonement, to turn the darkness to light and turn everything into one entity. This is the day one, [the day when we are able to recreate ourselves].
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)
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
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)
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.
