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Beit Midrash
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It wasn’t long before a guard took notice of Chaim’s new headwear. And its significance did not escape the guard’s notice.
"Jew! Take that off your head or die!" the guard sneered.
The gun aimed in Chaim’s direction made him flinch for a second, but Chaim quickly recovered his composure. He stood straighter and looked the guard in the eye, but said nothing.
"Jew, did you not hear me the first time? Don’t you know what a gun is?!" The guard was now yelling.
Chaim stood stoically, waiting.
"Are you not afraid to die?" gasped the guard.
Slowly, calmly, Chaim spoke. "My kippa, this piece of cloth on my head, means that I know there is someone above me. He and He alone determines whether I live or die. So, no, I am not afraid to die. You believe that life and death are in the hands of Brezhnev, so you are terrified of death."
Was Chaim allowed to endanger his life, in order to continue wearing his kippa?
Answer of Rabbi Yaakov Ariel, shlita:
If a Jew is given the choice to commit idolatry, sexual immorality or murder, or be killed, the Jew must choose to give up his life rather than violate any of those three sins. However, if it is a matter of committing any other sin, or being killed, the Jew should commit the sin, and prolong his life. These rules apply under general circumstances. However, at a time when Jews are being pursued, in an attempt to convert Jews to a foreign religion, a Jew must give up his life rather than violate any prohibition, even a relatively minor commandment. (Sanhedrin 74, Shulchan Aruch 157, 1)
In Russia, at the time of this story, Jews were being actively pursued, in order to draw them away from Judaism. Therefore, Chaim was correct in refusing to remove his kippa.
It is important to note that, if the guard would, himself, have forcibly removed the kippa from Chaim’s head, Chaim would have been allowed to remove his kippa on his own. This is because Chaim would be incapable of observing the mitzva regardless, so it would make no difference if the kippa was removed by the guard or by Chaim. (See Biur HaGra on the above mentioned Shulchan Aruch, note 10.)
The authorities debate whether a Jew is allowed to give up his life under circumstances in which he is not actually required to give up his life. According to Maimonides, it would be forbidden for the person to give up his life, but according to others, it would be permitted. (See the commentary of the Shach on the above mentioned Shulchan Aruch, se’if katan 10.) In practice, many Jews throughout the generations chose to give up their lives, even in situations in which they were not obligated to do so.
In summary: Because our story took place at a time when the Russians were actively seeking to prevent Jews from keeping the Torah, Chaim acted correctly in choosing to give up his life, rather than remove his kippa.
Ein Aya Aveirah Lishma- The Concept of Sinning as Sometimes Helpful
Ein Aya Shabat Chapter B Paragraph 51 (p2)
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)
Rabbis in Midrash
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
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.
