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Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: In addition to the obvious destructive elements of lashon hara, when it causes separation between brethren or when an innocent person is subjugated by it, it impacts the spirit and causes hatred within society. People get used to seeing a situation and viewing it according to the most negative possibilities. They thus see the world as a much more negative place than it is.
When the king develops such an outlook, it can take away from his ability to act with kindness and with appropriate justice, which are among the important tasks of a king. After all, he is supposed to imitate Hashem, Who is dedicated to love and kindness.
It is not surprising that at the time of great pressure, when David was fleeing from his own son, his outlook of love and trust turned somewhat toward suspicion and enmity. This was part of the punishment coming to David. In the beginning of David’s interactions with Mefiboshet, when Tziva tried to dampen David’s goodwill, it is not by chance that Tziva said that Mefiboshet was in Lo Davar (can be translated – there was a matter of interest to him). This was to hint that Mefiboshet was there for the purpose of involvement in politics. Since there was at least logic to consider the dangers, David decided to take him away from Lo Davar. When it was afterward decided to allow Mefiboshet to eat at David’s table like one of his sons, it shows that he must have proven himself fully beyond suspicion. Therefore, the gemara is surprised by the fact that, years later, David accepted Tziva’s false report of Mefiboshet’s lack of faithfulness.
We must look at the development of the positive characteristics of David’s kingdom, which turned him into the great singer of pleasant songs and the lofty sacred spirit. It was actually necessary for the completeness of the kingdom that all the powers of the human spirit be present in the great "storehouse" that was the spirit of the king. Even negative powers must be included. Accepting lashon hara is the root of all bad powers. This is the readiness to be negatively impacted by a negative comment by an evil person and the tendency to look at the world with an eye that notices that which is bad in the world. This attribute is destructive until it is refined, when it can be purified and sweetened so that it can be used properly by those in command.
The Davidic dynasty is broad and inclusive to the extent that, as creation must contain every tendency for negativity as well as for positive, so must these be present in David. Only after everything settles into place, will the goodness be stably in control. Then, the discerning eye will notice that bitter outlooks are turned into good ones, and they will see that which is good in the world and the light of love and kindness in the loftiest manner. It is like the moon, which has its limitations expanded and fills in its crevices (see Tehillim 89:38). It is appropriate that at the time that we mention the attributes of the moon (in Kiddush Levana) we also say, "David, King of Israel, lives and is intact."
Various Rabbis
Various Rabbis including those of of Yeshivat Bet El, such as Rabbi Chaim Katz, Rabbi Binyamin Bamberger and Rabbi Yitzchak Greenblat and others.
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: A Crown and its Scepter – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 294-5
Ein Ayah The Symbiotic Relationship of the Needy and the Philanthropists
condensed from Ein Ayah, Shabbat 12:13-15
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
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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.
