Yeshiva
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- 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
P'ninat Mishpat Who Breached the Contract? – part IV
Based on ruling 81087 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
Igrot Hare’aya Trying to Arrange Purchase of Land in Eretz Yisrael
#222 Date and Place: 2 Elul 5669 (1909), Rechovot
P'ninat Mishpat Repercussions of a Sale that Turned Out Not Happening – part III
(based on ruling 83045 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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Various Events FOR WHOM NOT TO VOTE
Rav Zvi Yehuda Kook stressed that Israeli politics is G-dly, so I have no problem answering this common question on a Torani blog. Also, Free-Will is a G-d-given right and obligation, to "destine one's fate" (R. Soloveichik, Kol Dodi Dofek, 67), so I obviously don't tell others how to vote. But once not a few (especially young) have already asked, a couple of personal words from experience and thoughts from chazal & Rav Kook which may be of help to others, mainly for whom NOT to vote.
P'ninat Mishpat Fallout from Failure to Install Elevator – part II
based on ruling 85007 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
