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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: There are two purposes for building. There is the utilitarian purpose, to create something that protects from cold and rain. The second purpose is to broaden man’s thought process by taking a functional building and making it one that has grandeur and glory. This is described by the pasuk "Like the grandeur of man to live in a house" (Yeshayahu 44:13). The main unique strength of mankind is that his life is founded upon spirituality. Therefore, even those things that are done in order to provide necessities and bring benefits in the simple physical world can go and rise up to the level of grandeur, which uplifts the human spirit. This results in all sorts of elements of improved life. At the end of the process, when all the "impurities are burnt out of material" (i.e., man is adorned), they will be able to bring all of mankind to a lofty level, which is the goal of the foundation of grandeur that lays in the soul of man. For this reason, this second level of building was present in the first creation of the "eternal building" (based on the reference to Chava found in sheva berachot) which man has (i.e., from whom all future generations will come). It was at this point that this reliable foundation was set (i.e., the functional building is not sufficient, but it is worthwhile for it to be adorned). This raises the emotions from the lower level of the natural power, which the animalistic side requires, to the higher level of grandeur, which softens and elevates matters. This is the foundation behind the world of building in all of its meanings, based on his internal value. It is for this reason that the first building was described as "Hashem built the rib," as it represents the grandeur which was present in the process of building by the Creator, the One who made the form. This founded life that keeps the world continuing with the kindness of the G-d of the universe, Who prepared all future generations by decreeing the world into existence. This is the background of Hashem braiding Chava’s hair and presenting her to Adam. It was in this way that the idea of beauty was imprinted upon the nature of the world. It is the emotional element that is added to the necessary part of that which was built. It is for this reason that braiding and sticking down the hair are on practical halachic grounds considered within the halachic category of the Shabbat prohibition of building.
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)
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.
