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Case: [Due to the case’s sensitivity, we will omit a lot of the background.] The defendant (=def) insulted plaintiff (=pl) in a public interaction, saying that pl is "mitasek im ketinim" (approximately – fools around with minors). Def downplayed the statement’s severity, and did not disavow or prove the subject of the insinuation. Pl initiated litigation, and when def showed initial reluctance to cooperate, pl gave letters to members of the community accusing def of refusing to come to beit din. Actually, def had refused to go to a specific beit din but agreed to go to another.
P'ninat Mishpat (825)
Various Rabbis
457 - Backing Out of a Rental for an Excellent Reason – part II
458 - Steps to Deal with Mutual Motzi Shem Ra
459 - Payment for a Teacher’s Increased and Decreased Work
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The Rama cites a machloket whether there is an obligation to pay when a statement can be interpreted in different manners. We follow the Maharshal (Bava Kama 8:52) that it depends how the normal person takes it, and that it can apply to hints and not only to explicit statements. There is also a difference between making claims of concrete aspersions and between general insults (Chavot Yair 65). This is because the social urgency to stamp the practice out is more pressing regarding real aspersions. Just as one cannot allow verbal abuse to go unchecked, one can also not allow litigation on every insulting statement one says to another. The proper thing in such cases is apologies.
Pl’s statement, concentrating on the wording ("minors") and the context (trying to "put def in his place"), imply claims of criminal wrongdoing. Def did not indicate that he knew the insinuations are true (in which case, we would urge him to go to the police), but it is still severe.
Pl also defamed def. Pl claims that it was because he was riled up after being insulted. We do find sources that when one is attacked physically or verbally and responds in kind, the one who reacts is exempt (see Rama, CM 421:13) because of self-defense and an uncontrollable anger. However, this cannot be applied here because pl’s action took place weeks after def embarrassed him.
While beit din does have the authority to levy financial payments on the side(s), we do not believe that this is the most appropriate step. Rather, public apologies are. No monetary damage was caused, and the process at beit din and the public apologies will be ample deterrents that this behavior will not repeat itself. While apologies are due on both sides, they are not equal. Pl was humiliated by def over a severe claim without cause. In contrast, pl made a claim against def incorrectly but within the seeking of justice. Therefore, the language of the signed letter of apology and clarification to be put up in the local shul by def will be stronger in language than pl’s apology (beit din provided both texts). Also, def’s letter must remain for two weeks, whereas pl’s letter will only need to appear during the course of one Shabbat.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Dividing Parents’ Resources when Mother Still Alive
based on ruling 82017 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Sharing in Plumbing Expenses – part II
based on ruling 85013 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Multiple Agreements and Parties – part IV
based on final ruling of 80082 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Sharing in Plumbing Expenses – part I
based on ruling 85013 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
Rabbis in Midrash
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.