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Beit Midrash
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It seems to me that the most painful part of the curse is its element of "a man … over his brother." This is itself a great curse. If there is no peace in our "encampment," if, instead of focusing all of our actions on the challenges that exist from outside, we are wasting energies on internal, pointless arguments. It is a curse if, instead of trying to support each other, we try to look for the weak point in our brethren, if the mitzva of rebuking our counterpart is applied in such a distorted manner, so that it is not to try to prevent sinning but rather to try to build oneself up on the "back" of another’s sins. This should not be blamed on this one or that one from this group or that group, but rather it is a curse in and of itself.
In contrast, when the Torah writes about bringing peace, Chazal tell us that this implies, the "peace of Torah" (Bamidbar Rabba 11:7). This is a true blessing, and it is a vessel that holds blessing. If there is no peace, there is nothing positive.
We are so drawn to dispute, as if we are dragged in without the ability to resist. It may not always look that way, but that is the way it is. It is not caused by our willfully wanting it. Rather a sin drags along a sin (Avot 4:2). What this means is that to a certain degree, we lose free will. Rashi says about the string of failures, which begins with "If you shall be repulsed by My statutes" (Vayikra 26:15) that each one of the string of seven sins drags along the other.
The first place to start to improve things is with "the toil of Torah study" (see Rashi, Vayikra 26:3). Once the toil of Torah study ceased, everything turned into politics. The misconception then is that one does not need to work hard at his Torah scholarship to make something of himself but just to work on having a sharp tongue. Once this happens, one believes that the main thing is being na’eh doresh (speaking of doing good). Then it follows that he no longer places much stock on na’eh mekayem (being good at fulfilling what he preaches).
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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
