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The Yerushalmi (Shabbat 1:3) explains the p’sukim in a positive way, saying that it allows the yoledet to reach new heights of sanctity. On the famous baraita, on levels of spiritual elevation, which is the basis of the sefer Mesillat Yesharim, the Yerushalmi says that our p’sukim are an affirmation that "cleanliness brings to purity." Ba’alei HaTosafot (on Vayikra 12:5) explain that v’chiper is a reference to cleanliness because the word has a double meaning of atonement and cleaning. In that case, the pasuk is not talking about atonement, which makes sense if we assume, as is reasonable, that the yoledet’s korban is not due to any sin.
However, since the word does usually refer to atonement, which implies sin, Rabbeinu Bachyei is troubled about what the yoledet did that requires such a korban. One could have argued that a korban is necessary due to the danger from which she was extricated, but then she should have to bring a korban todah (of thanksgiving). He suggests that it is not for the specific yoledet’s sin but for the sin of the mother of all humans, Chava, who, with her husband, Adam, ate from the Tree of Knowledge. However, this explanation is not even hinted at by the pasuk.
We will continue in the positive direction, by citing the words (from Shir Ma’on) of Rabbi Shimon Sofer (grandson of the Chatam Sofer, who was rabbi of Eiger-Erlau, was killed in Auschwitz at the age of 94, and whose followers created a community near which Eretz Hemdah is situated). He invoked the gemara (Sukka 29b) that the most powerful of the forces that cause one to lose his money is haughtiness. From the negative, we can extrapolate the positive – someone who acts with humility deserves to be blessed monetarily, as Hashem is more apt to reward for the positive than He is liable to punish over the negative. Rav Sofer says that based on tropp (cantillation), the pasuk "v’im lo timtza yada" hints at the following reading – "if you make yourself nothing, your hand will succeed [to acquire riches]." [Ed. note – one who understands the rules of dikduk will have difficulty accepting this reading on the level of p’shat, but that is beyond our present scope.]
If we put the various explanations together, we will arrive at the following: A yoledet brings another Jewish child into the world, and thereby is elevated and sanctified spiritually. If she will also cling to the attribute of humility, she will also be blessed materially. Let us wish that all Jewish women will have the great blessing of having children and will be elevated both spiritually and materially with the help of humility.
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)
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)
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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.
