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The usual translation of "tamim" is "simple;" (as usually found in Hagadot, the Tam is the "simple" son). But the standard dictionary defines the word "simple" as "foolish or gullible," as in the children’s poem "Simple Simon," where, among other things, the silly Simon collects water not in a pail, but in a sieve where all the water leaks out. Is it feasible that one of our Jewish children would be "simple?!"
Surely the Torah means something else.
Our Sedra contains the prohibition of seeking out astrologers or fortune tellers who claim to know the future, or say they can predict what times are fortuitous, & what times are dangerous. We are not allowed to employ their services. But there is a dispute between Rambam & Ramban as to what we should do if a bona-fide astrologer comes to us & warns us of some impending danger.
The Ramban says we must heed their warning, based on the verse, "And you should not test Hashem your G-d;" inferring that perhaps G-d sent this person to us & we should "play it safe" by listening. But Rambam sternly disagrees. "All these people are phony," he warns, but even if they somehow do know something, you should rely only on Hashem, & he then quotes our pasuk, "Tamim tih’ye im Hashem Elokecha." (Of course, help from legitimate sources, such as doctors – like Rambam himself - would not only be permissible, but mandatory).
The Torah uses the word "tam" in reference to two righteous individuals, Noach & Yakov: "Noach ish tzadik, tamim haya b’dorotav;" & "Yakov ish tam, yoshayv ohalim." What, if anything, connects these two disparate personalities?
I want to suggest that both Noach & Yakov, perhaps more than anyone else in all the Chumash, endured immense trials & tribulations. Noach saw the entire world destroyed, & then was cruelly abused by his own child. Yakov was forced to leave his home at a young age, lost his beloved Rachel suddenly, & then had to deal with the (apparent) death of his favorite son. How could any normal person survive these terrible traumas? How can WE survive our own traumas, G-d forbid?
The only way is by remaining a "tam," by placing all our trust, all our hope, all our fear & anger & despair in G-d. Where education & erudition end, Emuna begins; that is the time when sophistication must give way to simplicity and with it, hopefully, serenity.
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)
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)
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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
