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As Phillippe flipped through the magazine, an article caught his attention. Two skyscrapers. Almost identical in height. It would take a good number of years to build them, but they would be the tallest buildings in the world.
Phillippe found himself mesmerized. He had to get to the Twin Towers. No matter that he was in Paris and the towers were to be built in New York. The as-yet nonexistent towers were calling him. And, as an experienced high-wire artist, Phillippe knew exactly what kind of encounter he needed to have with those towers.
It was no simple matter to bring his dream to fruition. A core team of dedicated assistants helped him with the planning. Phillippe flew to New York several times. He carefully studied the towers, their heights, their layout, the degree to which they swayed with the wind. He created fake identification badges, so that he and his crew would be allowed access to the roof, in the guise of contractors. He even rented a helicopter so he could get an aerial view of the towers.
After six years of planning, on August 6, 1974, Phillippe Petit accomplished the impossible. At 7:00 am, he sauntered out onto the cable that he and his team had suspended between the two buildings, 1,350 feet above the ground. In the course of forty-five minutes, he walked between the buildings eight times. As crowds gathered to watch the spectacle, Phillippe walked, danced, lay down, and even knelt to salute the crowd.
Phillippe’s Twin Towers stunt gained him world renown. He went on to give many other aerial performances, wrote a number of books, and continues to give lectures.
From a Torah perspective, is it permitted for a person to endanger himself in such a manner, in order to earn a livelihood?
Answer of Rabbi Yaakov Ariel, shlita:
A person is permitted to endanger himself to an extent, in order to earn a livelihood. (See Gemara Bava Metzia, 112a) Therefore, it was permitted for merchants to travel by ship, despite the danger involved. Similarly, it is permitted for window washers to be suspended by cables, in order to wash the windows of skyscrapers (assuming that all proper precautions are taken).
However, there is no halachic allowance to walk on a cable between the Twin Towers or other similar buildings, because it involves extreme danger for no practical benefit.
It seems that even a gentile is forbidden to endanger himself in such a manner. Just as a non-Jew is forbidden from taking his own life (see Bereishis 9:6), he is also obligated to refrain from endangering his life.
In summary:According to Torah law, it is forbidden to engage in dangerous acts such as this. There is no allowance even for the purpose of earning a living, and all the more so if it is not for financial gain.
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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
