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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
R' Yosef ben Yaakov
Our parasha contains two elements that are not in Kri’at Shema, both related to security. The Land will not see war, and animals will not ravage. Tannaim dispute the situation regarding the animals. Some say those animals will not be present in our Land at that time. R. Shimon (Bar Yochai) posits that the promise’s greatness lies in that dangerous beasts will be present but will behave peacefully. Why are these elements not found in Kri’at Shema?
To understand we need to see another related machloket, involving R. Shimon. R. Yishmael explains the blessing, ve’asafta deganecha (you will gather your grains), as it sounds, that the blessed will have much harvesting to do from his plentiful crop. R. Shimon says that this is not such a special blessing, as spending so much time in the field takes away from Torah study. Rather, he says, when Bnei Yisrael follow Hashem’s Will, the work of the righteous is done by others (Berachot 35b). Ve’asafta deganecha, says R. Shimon, refers to a time when Bnei Yisrael do not fulfill the Divine Will. Tosafot (ad loc.) ask how it is possible that the section that starts, "if you listen to My commandments," is talking about those who act improperly. They answer that there are different levels. Kri’at Shema is talking about tzaddikim, but not full tzaddikim. The Maharsha finds a hint for that contention. Whereas the first parasha of Kri’at Shema talks about those who love Hashem with all of their hearts, souls, and wherewithal, the second parasha leaves out wherewithal.
R. Meir Simcha explains that R. Shimon Bar Yochai has a consistent approach in both contexts. As his life demonstrates, he felt that entering a cave if need be and living a life cut off from a normal, physical existence is an ideal. One who reaches such a high, unnatural level does not have to worry about normal things like earning a livelihood or fearing vicious animals; he works on a different plane. However, concludes the gemara, the masses who tried to adopt R. Shimon’s approach were unsuccessful.
Every generation has unique individuals who are able to succeed in a life almost devoid of physicality and normal, prudent steps in life. Normal people do mitzvot regularly, find time for Torah study, but also find time to earn a living. As for dealing with animals, a standard society has to develop the world so that there are places set aside for human inhabitation and other areas where animals can roam wild.
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)
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)
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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)
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)
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
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
