YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: If one wants to light up the light of the soul with purity, so that it will be able to reach its goal of elevated life, one needs to first wage war against the blind power that dwells within a person, i.e., the power of physical evil. This power is liable to spread through the whole world of creations. When he uproots the power of darkness and prevents it from taking its normal actions, as a person removes his interests from bad things because he realizes how they are detrimental, he is ready for change. Then, when the flame of holiness comes to illuminate and the light of Torah brings life to the world, life becomes complete without the Satan and other dangerous things impeding the light’s clarity. According to this educational approach, first one has to attack the power of evil to uproot and weaken it, and then the spirit with the sanctity of Torah and knowledge of the divine comes to enlighten. The advantage of this system is that when the spiritual clarity comes forth, it is clean and refined.
However, there is also another approach, according to which one strives to use even the power of evil for the purpose of the lofty divine goal. Thereby, he does not go forth to first uproot the power of evil, but to try to light the soul with a complete light of sanctity. If there are pieces of impurity within the life of evil, it does not prevent the light from being absorbed. Rather it increases the positive when even the powers of evil are harnessed for good. Only if at the end there are elements of evil that cannot be purified by the great light, then the person has to turn to those remnants and eradicate them.
According to the first approach, Hashem first told the people about the punishment for sin, to shock them into removing the evil tendency to sin so that the venom of evil will not ruin the light and goodness. Only afterward did Hashem share the elements of reward for good actions. But according to the second approach, Hashem first told about the reward and only later went on to the punishment for evil actions. That is because the power of life is so great that it can purify that which is bad and enslave it to the service of good. Only in regard to that which remained of the evil there was later a discussion of the punishment for bad actions. These are matters that are as hard as sinews. Finally, the power of good is complete, powerful, and pure.
Various Rabbis
Various Rabbis including those of of Yeshivat Bet El, such as Rabbi Chaim Katz, Rabbi Binyamin Bamberger and Rabbi Yitzchak Greenblat and others.
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: A Crown and its Scepter – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 294-5
Ein Ayah Starting from the Top - Natural Spiritual Simplicity
Condensed from Ein Ayah, Shabbat 9:77-78
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
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)
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)
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
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
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.
