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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Asher Ben Haim
In our previous discussion, we noted the fact that Hebrew must necessarily be a superlative language, for it is a Divine Tongue in which God Himself spoke when addressing His Prophets. Furthermore, God used the Hebrew language in creating the universe, and the Divine names of God derive from Hebrew. Hebrew is marked by cantillative punctuation (te'amim) and special vowels (nikud), and these two elements transform the dry written word into a living, speech-like tongue.
Rambam, in his "Guide to the Perplexed," writes that Hebrew is called the Holy Tongue because it is a clean language which does not possess names of body organs that call for modesty. Indeed, it is only natural that a language which gives expression to sacred concepts - the words of the living God - should be elevated, pure, and unsullied, and that it should not contain names of organs and actions which necessitate modesty.
Foundations of Faith (51)
Rabbi Zalman Baruch Melamed
42 - 42. The Preeminence of the Holy Tongue
43 - 43. Hebrew's Preeminence - Continued
44 - 44. The Servant of God
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This is not the case when it comes to the Holy Tongue. Hebrew possesses an intrinsic inner worth, it possesses sanctity, and it contains significance beyond the plain and revealed meanings of its words. Hebrew words can be approached on a number of levels: they can be understood plainly (pshat), figuratively (drash), allusively (remez), and esoterically (sod). The language supports each of these. In addition to all of this, Hebrew letters have numerical value, and the numerical value of a letter or word gives it added meaning. This is unique to the Hebrew language.
As a rule, if a book cannot be understood, it lacks value. It does not matter how great its message is. This, however, is not true of the Torah. Even if a person does not understand what is written in it, reading it has value - the words themselves contain sanctity.
Even the shapes of the Hebrew letters have unique significance, and therefore each letter must be written with precision; every line, corner, and crown of these letters carries deep spiritual meaning.
When a person reads sacred Hebrew words, even if he does not understand them at all, they have an effect. This may be likened to a person operating a large machine with the press of a button even though he does not understand how pressing the button does what it does. Technically, he may not understand how the machine works or the nature of its design, but he is nonetheless able to run it.
Similarly, when a person reads the Torah in the Holy Tongue, his speech has intrinsic value and it awakens exalted spiritual forces. This is not the case with any other language. If a person reads some other language and does not understand what he is saying, his reading is worthless. Its words possess no intrinsic value and in themselves have no effect. Their entire value lies in the fact that they are symbols which aid in conveying a message.
In sum, the Holy People, the nation of Israel, has a Holy Tongue which possesses intrinsic value. It is a lofty language which God Himself employed when creating the world and conveying his Law to Israel. It is a clean and pure language that befits the spiritual content which it expresses.
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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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
