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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
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- The Ten Days of Repentance
The Heavenly voice Elisha ben Avuya heard emanating from a secret place was strange. On the one hand, the whole world is called to teshuva (repentance). That is a concept that we know and appreciate. But what is the idea that someone specific is uninvited from seeking to repent?
A person sees the mud and the slime in which he has sunk by means of his sins; he recognizes that his path leads only to destruction. A person also "hears" that although he is deeply entrenched in the gates of impurity, there is still a path that is open to return. How did the once wise Elisha ben Avuya believe that he was the single solitary person that has no path upon which to return, but rather he must drink from the "cup of poison" until he finishes it? Why does he accept this decree without trying to appeal? The whole world – yes; he – no?
Apparently, this Heavenly voice, whose beginning is true but whose end is deceptive, is something that all sinners experience. Whoever is so deep into the slime of sin sees himself as irreparably on the path that leads to death, even when he looks at others and believes that they do have a way to save themselves through repentance, and it is only he who cannot. He does not consider that if there is teshuva for everyone, he cannot be the only exception. It does not occur to him that this perception is but the idea of the evil inclination and that if he just focuses on repentance, it will be accepted gladly. Indeed the evil inclination is active before the sin, to cause him to sin, and after the sin, to convince him that he is particularly incapable of doing teshuva.
Every sin creates an imaginary set of ropes and shackles that tie him down and prevent him from changing his course. He believes that his circumstances, the friends with whom he interacts, the public opinion that pervades his surroundings, and the things he said and the actions he did yesterday, set his course for the future. How could he turn his back on his sinful friends? How could he act differently than the philosophies he espoused yesterday? How can he divorce himself from his past and turn into a new person?
He should realize, though, that one who comes to defile himself will have the door opened to do so (Avoda Zara 55a). From the fact that he hears that others have the opportunity to return, even though they do not feel it, he should see that this is normal. Things must come from the person himself; there are not really ropes that hold him down, but they are just spider webs that can be easily severed.
The Ten Days of Repentance are the period in which Hashem can be found in our proximity (Rosh Hashana 18a). There is no better time for teshuva. Let us sever the ropes of deception and pray sincerely: "Return us in full teshuva before You." May we have a good year, one of teshuva, liberation, and salvation.
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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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
