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Tzipora Bat David
What is it that made Sodom such a symbol of evil? We could cite many commentaries as to the atrocities they perpetrated. However, it may be more useful to find a common thread which epitomizes the spiritual danger that Sodom engendered. The mishna (Avot 5:10) discusses different approaches to property. All agree that one who says, "Mine is mine, and yours is mine" is a rasha. According to some, one who says: "Mine is mine, and yours is yours" takes the middle approach (between tzaddik and rasha). However, another opinion refers to this as the attribute of Sodom. That seems difficult. Sodom after all is the paradigm of wickedness, which one would think is stronger than the simple term, rasha. Chazal also refer to Sodom in the context of a curse on one who wants to back out of a transaction after money was paid toward it. Finally, we call one who refuses to allow another to benefit from his property when it does not cause him loss to be one who is guilty of the attribute of Sodom.
The mishna’s use of the term rasha applies to one’s overall status; the reference to Sodom is to an act that contains the attribute of Sodom. Almost all of us possess an element of Sodom, which, in fact, is based on a legal and even halachic truth. One is not required, in most individual cases, to give of his own to another. Likewise, before a valid kinyan is complete, one has a right to back out. This actually makes their philosophy, epitomized by not accepting guests, so dangerous when it begins to become a way of life. Thus, Tanach and Chazal made reminders and laws to warn society that when it acts too much like Sodom, then Hashem may need to deal with them as He did with Sodom. Let us strive to have a heaping measure of ahavat chinam to serve as an effective antidote to Sodom-like tendencies, enabling past destruction to turn into an imminent rebuilding of the Beit Hamikdash in the heart of a lawful and generous society.
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)
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)
Rabbis in Midrash
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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)
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.
