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There is a third Mitzva, found in our Sedra, which also promises arichat yamim; long life, & that is the Mitzva of "Even Shlema," the requirement to have honest weights & just measures (25:13-15).
What is the connection between these three Mitzvot?
The link between honoring one’s parents & living longer makes perfect sense. If we take good care of father & mother, attending to their needs when they get older & may be incapable of fending for themselves, then our children will see what we did for our parents, & they, in turn, will follow our example & hopefully do the same for us. This will invariably help us to live longer.
The same dynamic applies to the law of shiluach hakeyn. As the Ramban explains, this act of kindness to a member of the animal kingdom helps to instill a higher level of compassion within us, so that we will surely care for our flesh-and-blood mother (& father) & treat them, too, with loving kindness when they need our assistance.
But what about the weights & measures? How does this third commandment link up to the other two?
The mitzva of even shlema, I suggest, is not just about being scrupulous in our business dealings. It is about the overall virtues of integrity & honesty. We must do that which is right & fair in all our actions, not only in the workplace. And if we are to be truly honest, we will surely acknowledge the massive debt we owe to our parents.
Did they not do anything & everything for us in our tender years? Did they not shower us with love, sacrifice for us, place all their hopes & dreams in us? When we were small & vulnerable, they protected us, fed us, guided us. And now, when age has reduced their capabilities, it is our turn to do the right thing & see to their needs.
Fascinating, is it not? The Hebrew word "even" - stone or weight - is a combination of the two words "av" & "ben;" parent & child! When we honestly & fairly weigh our debt to Ima & Abba, & do the right thing, not only will their lives be lengthened; ours will also certainly be blessed.
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
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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.
