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Beit Midrash
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This week we commemorate the 26th yahrtzeit of our mentor, Rav Shaul Yisraeli z.t.l., Eretz Hemdah’s founding president. He was a trailblazer in the field of how a Jewish state functions halachically, including writing and editing many articles and publications. One of the main questions that occupied talmidei chachamim was: What is the place of a Jewish and democratic State of Israel, which was established by a general public that primarily did not consist of those who observe all mitzvot? How does one view a government, with executive and legislative branches, most of whose members are not dedicated to keeping the Shulchan Aruch, and a legislative branch that is sometimes is hostile to it?
Here too there are three approaches: 1. People of belief in the divine promise to return Am Yisrael to Eretz Yisrael and reestablish a Jewish state, as a symbol of a refined state in which Yeshayahu’s visions can be realized. It would be a state to which gentile pilgrims would come to study in its capital, Jerusalem, and a state that bases itself on charity and justice. 2. Those who do not believe in the Written and/or Oral Law, or do not believe the state can be a vessel for the fulfillment of the Prophets’ prophecies. 3. Those who lost their patience and are willing to hasten the redemption even in manners that are against the Torah.
Rav Yisraeli was one of the first group’s leading teachers and guides, with an ability to navigate complex matters. We will take a quick look at one of the dilemmas he dealt with – an apparent contradiction between a national or spiritual obligation and the rights of the individual.
Rav S.Y. Zevin wrote an article about the "trial of Shylock." He opines that a person has no ownership over his body. Both body and soul belong to Hashem. Rav Yisraeli disagreed and said that man has ownership over his own body, just that Halacha limits the scope of the ownership and forbids one to commit suicide, put his life in danger, or damage his body.
A related practical issue is organ sale by a poor person to improve his financial situation. Rav Yisraeli posited that fundamentally it is permitted, but that the state is required to legislate a prohibition on such "organ commerce" to prevent the rich from taking advantage of the poor. Rav Yisraeli viewed organ donation as a great voluntary mitzva if done altruistically, with the donor a hero from a Torah perspective. In the merit of Rav Yisraeli’s ruling and the incredible life work of Rav Yeshaya Heber z.t.l., the State of Israel has become a beacon of light for the world, of healing people with true mercy. This is an uplifting application of the idea of "Torah and State," following the footsteps of Yehoshua and Kalev and other believers in a noble Jewish state. May we be successful in continuing to spread the teachings of Rav Yisraeli robustly and pleasantly.
Igrot Hare’aya Excitement over a Friend’s New Newspaper – #319
Date and Place: 4 Menachem Av 5670 (1910), Rechovot
Rabbis in Midrash
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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
