YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Jewish Laws and Thoughts
- Jewish Laws and Customs
- Honoring the Parents
- Family and Society
- Settling the land
- The Mitzvah of Settling the Land
Translated by Hillel Fendel
Question: I know that one may not listen to his parents if they tell him not to fulfill another Torah commandment. But what happens if they simply do not want him to fulfill the commandment in its most "honored" manner? For instance, they tell him not to buy a beautiful etrog, but a cheaper one – must he fulfill the mitzvah of honoring his parents, or may/should he buy the nicer etrog?
And in this connection, what if one's parents tell him not to live in Judea/Samaria? Is living there considered an extra important mitzvah, and therefore he should ignore his parents, or is it only a "beautification" of the existing mitzvah of living in the Land of Israel?
Answer: There are differing opinions on the value of "beautification" of a mitzvah when it conflicts with one's parents' wishes. The Beit Lechem Yehuda (Yoreh Deah 240,15), for instance, says that one should not engage in over-fasting against his father's wishes. But I believe this is simply a recommendation, and not a Halakhic requirement; one who wishes to glorify a mitzvah may do so even if this is in opposition to his parents' desires.
Regarding the mitzvah of living in the Land of Israel, my humble opinion is that residence in Judea and Samaria is not merely a "beautification," but is rather the essence of the mitzvah. This is because it actually helps the Land remain in our hands and not in the hands of other nations [in accordance with one of the main goals of the mitzvah].
In addition, the obligation to honor one's parents does not obligate him to change his life plans. For instance, if he wants to be a musician or a farmer, and they demand that he study physics, he need not obey them. Similarly, if he wants to serve in the IDF in a combat position, he need not follow his parents' contrary desires.
In order to get articles like this delivered straight to your inbox every week, subscribe to the Israel National Torah newsletter here.
Question: I know that one may not listen to his parents if they tell him not to fulfill another Torah commandment. But what happens if they simply do not want him to fulfill the commandment in its most "honored" manner? For instance, they tell him not to buy a beautiful etrog, but a cheaper one – must he fulfill the mitzvah of honoring his parents, or may/should he buy the nicer etrog?
And in this connection, what if one's parents tell him not to live in Judea/Samaria? Is living there considered an extra important mitzvah, and therefore he should ignore his parents, or is it only a "beautification" of the existing mitzvah of living in the Land of Israel?
Answer: There are differing opinions on the value of "beautification" of a mitzvah when it conflicts with one's parents' wishes. The Beit Lechem Yehuda (Yoreh Deah 240,15), for instance, says that one should not engage in over-fasting against his father's wishes. But I believe this is simply a recommendation, and not a Halakhic requirement; one who wishes to glorify a mitzvah may do so even if this is in opposition to his parents' desires.
Regarding the mitzvah of living in the Land of Israel, my humble opinion is that residence in Judea and Samaria is not merely a "beautification," but is rather the essence of the mitzvah. This is because it actually helps the Land remain in our hands and not in the hands of other nations [in accordance with one of the main goals of the mitzvah].
In addition, the obligation to honor one's parents does not obligate him to change his life plans. For instance, if he wants to be a musician or a farmer, and they demand that he study physics, he need not obey them. Similarly, if he wants to serve in the IDF in a combat position, he need not follow his parents' contrary desires.
In order to get articles like this delivered straight to your inbox every week, subscribe to the Israel National Torah newsletter here.
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)
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
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.
