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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: Wisdom always discovers new approaches and means of improving mankind’s situation, such as to heal him from his illnesses and save him from all of the things that can harm him. However, as science progresses and as its discoveries become famous in the world, so does the world forget the efficacy of the simple natural matters. Natural matters often serves as a stronger base for one’s salvation than all of the complicated and convoluted inventions of science.
This phenomenon is not only true regarding the physical world but even in matters of spirituality – in the levels of a person’s spirit, his ability to perceive lofty ideas, and reach high levels of spiritual attainment. While there are many teachings of Torah wisdom and ethics, sometimes the simplest ideas are the best (see Rosh Hashana 26b). The simple ethical values and pure service of Hashem in simplicity lights the eyes much more than lofty but detached brilliant ideas. The latter only are used to strengthen and adorn one’s approach to spirituality. The main idea, though, is to lead a religious life based on the precept of "Be simple/complete with Hashem, your G-d" (Devarim 18:13).
Obtaining high intellectual capacities and skills in a variety of walks of life should be within the grasp of everyone, even though there will be varying levels according to natural abilities. However, the most-travelled path should be the simple and healthy natural characteristic, which is of higher value than things that are more modern and sophisticated. That is why Mar Ukva had the correct answer to Rabbi Yannai’s request for the eye salves of Shmuel, the scholar, doctor, astronomer, scientist, as well as outstanding talmid chacham and holy man. That is why Mar Ukva, the head of the time’s highest rabbinical court said that he was indeed willing to give him the salve, but wanted him to know that he should not forsake that which is simple and straightforward, which gives good health and life to the body and soul. This is metaphorically represented by the bit of water in the morning and the washing of hands and feet at night.
Beit Din Eretz Hemda - Gazit
Igrot Hare’aya Departure of an Uncle to Eretz Yisrael
Igrot Hare’aya – Letters of Rav Kook: Vol. I, #1 , p. 1-2 – part II
Igrot Hare’aya Trying to Arrange Purchase of Land in Eretz Yisrael
#222 Date and Place: 2 Elul 5669 (1909), Rechovot
Igrot Hare’aya Connecting Disciplines in Torah Study
Igrot Hare’aya – Letters of Rav Kook 103 – part III
P'ninat Mishpat Who Breached the Contract? – part IV
Based on ruling 81087 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
