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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Bemare Habazak - Rabbis Questions
- Family and Society
- The Jewish Household
- Bar Mitzva
Answer: The gemara (Gittin 45b) derives from the proximity of the commandments to write Torah texts (mezuza) and to attach them (tefillin) to the arm (Devarim 11:18-20) that only one who is obligated to and fulfills the mitzva of tefillin can write them. The Rambam (Tefillin 3:16) extends this rule to making batim, as does the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 39:2). Children are not obligated in tefillin on the level of Torah law, and thus the tefillin they make before bar mitzva may not be used after they are fully obligated. Poskim discuss which actions suffice with adult coaching (gadol omed al gabav) to provide proper intent (lishma) and which a katan cannot do at all (see Bi’ur Halacha ad loc.).
Therefore, if a tefillin-making workshop leader knows how to do his job properly, he can involve children significantly and still have an adult do the halachically required parts of the process. A few years ago, we at Eretz Hemdah were among those who approved and wrote specific guidelines for such a person. If you were led by him, we are fully confident your tefillin were made kosher. Since tefillin need to remain kosher, we remind you to not overly expose them to heat and avoid dampness and pressure. You should also periodically ascertain that it remains in good repair (e.g., the surfaces remain straight).
Bemare Habazak - Rabbis Questions (650)
Rabbi Daniel Mann
425 - Backing Out of an Oral Offer to a Potential Worker
426 - Tefillin Prepared by Children under Bar Mitzva
427 - A Kohen Serving Others
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Now a word to our readers – the tefillin owner who asked is not among them.
The operation which Eretz Hemdah approved (information can be given to individuals who approach us) teaches pre-bar mitzva boys many halachot they would otherwise not learn or remember and has developed an inspiring curriculum. He correctly teaches that ketanim may not do the most critical steps themselves. This young man might have forgotten that over the years, or perhaps the person who led his workshop did not make it as clear as he might have. The rationale of having the children "make the tefillin themselves," when that is not exactly the case, is that the involvement creates a greater connection to this important mitzva. In some cases, this can make the difference between their being life-time tefillin wearers or not. One can argue that as long as the tefillin are kosher, the kids don’t need to know that is only because they were helped. That is a tenable approach, but one we would not advocate under normal circumstances.
Batim made in such workshops could not be gassot (from a large animal, which requires serious equipment), but dakkot (hopefully, not peshutot). We will skip the intricacies, but gassot have advantages, especially their excellent longevity in good, kosher condition without needing renovation or replacement. The best (and most expensive) tefillin on the market are gassot. The tefillin produced in the operation we approved are higher quality than "inexpensive" ones, but are not of the highest "quality" echelon. A rabbi or educator who would bring in such a workshop must weigh the pluses and minuses and determine (and/or discuss with parents) what is best for his bar mitzva boys. Having two pairs or donating the one he made to a good cause might be a nice option for those who can afford it, as the opportunity is educationally powerful even for those who will anyway be life-long tefillin wearers.
Rabbis in Midrash
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.