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Indeed ma’aser sheni gives incentive to come to Yerushalayim, but why do we need incentive after the Torah commands us to go there for three festivals every year (see Shemot 23:14)? One can claim that the existence of ma’aser sheni encourages those who are exempt from the mitzva to join the rest or to give an incentive that aids compliance. However there appears to be more to it than that. The Torah adds that one will learn to fear Hashem all the days. What is that hinting at?
One possibility is that a person who has a lot of produce will come early and/or stay after the regalim in order to finish everything. However, even that extension would cover more days but not "all the days." The Sefer Hachinuch (#360, regarding the related mitzva of ma’aser beheimah eaten in Yerushalayim) explains that there can be so much to eat that a person will be encouraged to set up a second residence to take full advantage of the situation. Furthermore, a family or a town is likely to send one of its own to Yerushalayim to learn from the kohanim and levi’im and be supported from the extra produce. After becoming an expert in Torah and fear of Hashem, that student turned scholar would spend a lifetime strengthening the religious level of his relatives and neighbors.
Rav Saadya Gaon may hint at another approach. The Torah reference to learning to fear Hashem all the days could mean that the intensive religious experience keeps one inspired for the long term. Yet, R. Saadya explains that one "will learn to serve Hashem all the days." What does the service have to do with the fear of Hashem or "all the days"? Although one who comes to Yerushalayim and sees the religious elements of the city is awed, that may not teach him lessons that are applicable to his day-to-day existence far away from the Holy City. However, eating his produce within the context of holiness teaches a lesson that the mundane can serve holiness. This service of Hashem can be applied all the days in all places.
Indeed, long-term exposure to Torah and holiness can enable one to influence his surroundings on a permanent basis. Yet, even short-term learning with the right approach can provide a permanent message of how to view all of one’s activities.
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
