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- The Coronavirus Pandemic
We are all aware of the fallout that has destroyed the world's economies and has left tens of millions of people unemployed and practically destitute. Even though there are signs of a recovery in certain economies of the world such as the United States, the economic situation here in Israel remains uncertain at best and bleak at worst. And let no one at any time minimize the effects of economic woes, unemployment, financial insecurity and losses of home and businesses on the human psyche and condition. There are relatively few happy and contented people present amongst us. The pandemic has taken an economic and psychological toll that is enormous and weighs heavily upon the functions of our society. My friends, a plague is a plague is a plague!
Aside from the physical and economic havoc wrought by the Corona pandemic, I have sensed a spiritual fallout as well. Naturally, the inability to have live, personal, face-to-face Torah study has, in many ways, crippled us. With all of the wonders of Zoom and all of the gratitude that we should have that this technology allowed for Torah study during this most trying period of time, it is apparent that such study is much more difficult and less rewarding than the good old-fashioned way of listening to a live lecture or learning one-on-one with a study partner.
The results are still out as to the success of Zoom use in the schools. Anecdotally, I observed both in the United States and here in Israel that it places far more stress on the teacher and in one way or another that stress must be communicated to the student no matter how comfortable and welcoming the virtual classroom may be. Anyone who is tempted to think that when, God willing, the pandemic finally runs its course and schooling can be continued on a permanent basis, choosing only Zoom and the virtual classrooms is sadly mistaken. Even the most rabid fan of homeschooling and technical learning must admit that the social interaction between fellow students and live instructors is a very necessary part of the overall education and social makeup of students at all levels of schooling. How this gap in the education of the next generation will be redressed is one of the great problems that faces our society.
And, you all know that I am very opinionated when it comes to the question of attendance at synagogue worship services. To me, all the outdoor minyanim that take place, of necessity during this pandemic, are nevertheless inferior spiritually to attending services at a synagogue, even if that synagogue service is limited only to 10 men. These ad hoc minyanim have bred descent, disagreements, personal hurts and are often devoid of content and meaning to the prayers being offered.
I realize that we have no choice in this matter and that these minyanim must perforce continue to operate. I also have no doubt from my experience of being a rabbi for over 60 years that even when the pandemic ends many of these ad hoc minyanim will continue. Attending the synagogue always is somewhat of an inconvenience and after all, we go to great lengths to escape inconveniences in our lives. But I think we should all recognize that there is a spiritual price to be paid for the absence from regular attendance at our synagogue. We will have to work hard to redress that loss when the situation will change for the better, and we pray that it will do so speedily and completely.
Shabbat shalom
All blessings,
Berel Wein
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)
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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)
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: 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)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
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
