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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Yaakov Ben Behora
However, there are exceptional individuals capable of ascending to extraordinary heights. Such people are able to demand more of themselves.
In general, people differ in character. Some possess greater spiritual capacity and hence more is expected of them. Pious abstinence befits such individuals. They are called upon to distance themselves not only from prohibited matters, but even from overindulgence in permitted pleasures. They are expected to make due with little and to train themselves not to be held sway by their baser inclinations. This, of course, does not imply renouncing necessities without which a person suffers or becomes weak. It is forbidden for a person to deny himself such things. Rather, we are referring to those things which are not necessities, things which it is possible to do without.
Enjoying Life (2)
Rabbi Zalman Baruch Melamed
1 - 27. Abstinence and Permissible Pleasures (Cont.)
2 - 28. Types of Pious Abstinence
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We may bring an example of such behavior from R' Yehoshua ben Levi. According to Jewish law, if non-Jews lay siege on a Jewish town and say, "Give us so-and-so. He wronged us and he is hiding is this town, and if you don't hand him over we will conquer the city and kill you all," it is permitted to hand over the accused if he is a wicked person who deserves death. By so doing the entire town will be saved.
R' Yochanan taught that even if the accused is not wicked, if the non-Jews demand a particular individual, it is permitted to hand him over in order to save the town. In fact, there was such a case, and R' Yehoshua ben Levi went to the wanted individual and asked him to hand himself over in order to save the town. The latter heeded R' Yehoshua ben Levi's request and handed himself over.
Now, until this episode, R' Yehoshua ben Levi often experienced revelations of Elijah the Prophet. However, afterwards, Elijah stopped appearing to him. R' Yehoshua ben Levi performed many fasts until finally Elijah reveal himself again:
"I do not reveal myself to those who extradite their brethren" he said.
R' Yehoshua ben Levi replied, "But I only acted according to the law."
"Is this the law adopted by the pious?" said Elijah. True, you acted in accordance with the law, but this is not proper conduct for a pious individual like yourself, and you should not have been involved in handing over the accused.
There are rules of legal conduct and there are rules of pious conduct. A person who is fit for such is called upon to accept the rules of pious conduct. Pious abstinence is not for everybody, but those unique individuals who are able to behave in such a manner have an effect on everybody. Through them the entire population is uplifted.
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 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
