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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
R. Avraham Ben David
And just who are these specialists through whom one can be helped? They are people with experience who have, themselves, dealt with these problems and have overcome them; have conquered their impulses, and know how to control themselves. The experienced can give advice concerning how to overcome difficulties and to attain self control; how to promote and to maintain those faculties which are healthy. The sages explain the words of the Torah (Numbers 21:27): "'Therefore the rulers say...' - Those who rule over their base inclinations say: 'Let us enter into an accounting.' - Come, let us calculate..." Those who rule over their base inclinations can assist others by virtue of their own experience.
The decision to devote attention to the mending of character traits is, in itself, an important step, yet this alone won't bring about a revolution. What is it that stimulates man to diligently continue in the task of mending his traits? The main stimulation is awareness of the importance of mending character traits and improving one's personal nature. This awareness expands and deepens as a result of Torah study. Through the Torah one can comprehend the positive value of each good act and the severity of each bad act. The better a person understands the significance of each and every act, each and every utterance, and each and every thought, right down to the most trivial notion; the more a person is aware of the value of his actions and their significance - the more he will strive to direct his actions towards kindness, and to distance himself from every unfavorable deed.
Pathways in Personality Development (52)
Rabbi Zalman Baruch Melamed
2 - 2. Introspection
3 - 3. "Zehirut"- Inhibiting and Contributing Factors
4 - 4. The Impact of Man's Actions on the World
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Conversely, there are three things which prevent man from attaining the attribute of zehirut . The first factor is preoccupation. One who is continuously preoccupied and busy, finds no time to sit down and think about himself. Therefore, one who wishes to work on improving his character traits must set aside time from his business and devote attention to this task.
The second factor is sarcasm and mockery. One who has accustomed himself to laugh off everything does not examine things as they actually are. Sarcasm and mockery are sometimes employed because of a desire to escape reality, it being too difficult to deal with. Yet, clearly, by running away from reality nothing is solved. Sarcasm and mockery are traits from which one must distance himself, for they, like drunkenness, make it difficult for a person to judge things in an accurate manner.
The third inhibiting factor is society. In a negative or superficial environment it is very difficult to go against the flow. Therefore, one who wants to improve himself, should withdraw from a poor environment, and affix himself to the Torah, for it leads to zehirut .
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
