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Beit Midrash
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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.
Igrot Hare’aya Improving New Yishuv More Practical than Alternatives
Igrot Hare’aya – Letters of Rav Kook #107
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
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.
