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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
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One of the areas in which Eretz Yisrael is unique is the appointment of batei din staffed by dayanim with authentic semicha (which no longer exists). There was a central beit din of 71, which sat in the Beit Hamikdash complex, batei din of 23, which could handle cases of corporal punishment, and there were batei din of three in all cities.
Let us discuss the characteristics that are required for each dayan, according to the guidelines set for us by our mentor, Harav Shaul Yisraeli z.t.l. and how this impacts on the choice of rabbinic fellows for Eretz Hemdah’s program to produce rabbinical judges. The Rambam (Sanhedrin 2:1) rules: We appoint to the Sanhedrin (high rabbinical court), whether the grand one or the smaller one, only men who are knowledgeable and wise, who excel in the wisdom of the Torah, and have great wisdom."
It is clear that the first, necessary condition to receive this ordination is to have deep and broad knowledge of Torah, specifically in Shas and poskim. That is the reason that Eretz Hemdah’s curriculum covers all of Seder Nezikin and the Choshen Mishpat section of Shulchan Aruch and Seder Nashim and the Even Ha’ezer section of Shulchan Aruch.
However, this is not enough. Notice that the Rambam (ibid.) mentions: knowledgeable, wise, excellent in the wisdom of the Torah, and who have great wisdom. Aren’t these redundant?
The Torah, in discussing the laws of tzara’at afflictions, mentions the kohen’s coming to see it twice (see Vayikra 13:3). What is the difference between the two inspections? The Meshech Chochma suggests that the first inspection determines whether there are physical grounds for the affliction to be defiling. The second one is whether the circumstances are proper for him to be rendered impure, as we do not do this to a groom during Sheva Berachot or people during the Jewish holidays. This is based on "Its ways are the ways of pleasantness." We learn from this how such considerations impact a ruling. This turns the Torah into a "Torah of life," which requires the dayan to have a broad perspective.
The Rambam continues in presenting qualities of a dayan. He says that they should "know a little bit about non-Torah areas of wisdom, such as medicine, mathematics, and astronomy." He believes that scientific and general knowledge are crucial characteristics of the complete dayan.
The Rambam also says that knowledge of foreign languages is crucial. Nowadays, one who is fluent in English can understand most people who will come his way even if they do not speak Hebrew. Apparently, at the time of the Rambam, there was no universal language, and therefore he was more demanding (most languages). Therefore, a high percentage of Eretz Hemdah-Gazit’s dayanim have broad knowledge, fluency in a foreign language, and even an academic degree. Let us pray that Eretz Yisrael/Eretz Hemdah will be able to unite heaven and earth and thereby sanctify Hashem’s Name through a knowledge that "its ways are ways of peace.
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The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
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.
