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Unbeknownst to Rabbi Yisrael, he was standing perilously close to a taffy, which had fallen on the floor. The taffy did not escape the notice of little Menachem, however, who was dancing together with his father, a few feet away. Menachem let go of his father’s hand, and raced over to the spot where the taffy lay. Unfortunately, in his hurry, he bumped into Rabbi Yisrael, who was suddenly thrown onto the floor, together with the Torah scroll!
The singing and dancing stopped immediately, as dozens of men rushed over to the scene. First they picked up the fallen Torah scroll, and then the shaken Rabbi Yisrael.
Were their actions correct? Was it proper to first pick up the scroll, and only then pick up Rabbi Yisrael, or should they, perhaps, have helped Rabbi Yisrael first?
Answer:
Rabbi Asher Weiss, shlita:
In practice, there was no need to determine whether the Torah scroll or Rabbi Yisrael should take priority. There were certainly enough men present to have lifted both of them, simultaneously. They should have upheld the commandment to "grasp this and also not remove your hands from that."
Regarding the actual question, as to whether a Torah scholar or a Torah scroll takes priority, it is necessary to examine two statements in the Gemara, which appear to contradict each other. The Gemara Kiddushin (33) states "if one must stand before a Torah scholar, [isn’t it obvious that one must stand] before a Torah scroll, even more so?" This statement seems to imply that the Torah scroll takes priority. However, Gemara Makot (22) states "how foolish are those who stand for a Torah scroll, yet don’t stand before a Torah scholar." This statement seems to imply that the Torah scholar takes priority.
There are a number of ways to resolve the contradiction, however, in my opinion, there is no contradiction at all. The second Gemara states that one who rises before a Torah scroll, and not a Torah scholar is a fool, however, this does not mean that the Torah scholar takes priority. Rather, the obligation of honoring the scroll and the scholar are two sides of the same coin. By honoring the physical embodiment of the Torah, as well as the scholars who learn it, we are demonstrating how much we honor and cherish the words of the holy Torah.
In summary: Honor for the Torah scroll and for the Torah scholar are one and the same. In our case, the congregants should have lifted both the Torah scroll and Rabbi Yisrael simultaneously
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)
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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.
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(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
