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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- D'varim
- Ha'azinu
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Yaakov Ben Behora
Commentaries note the uncommon use of the word rek, describing the value of the Torah. Rashi points out that the Torah offers great reward for those who apply themselves to it. The Me’am Loez brings a related explanation. One must take proper care in fulfilling the Torah because the fact that one gets reward for it increases his obligation to adhere to it. He makes reference to the halachot of watchmen. One who watches something for free must pay for its disappearance only if he was negligent in watching it. However, a paid watchman must pay even if it was stolen or lost without negligence.
Extending this distinction further, we note the halacha in Bava Kamma 99b. If one is entrusted to slaughter an animal and does so incorrectly, he has to pay for making it unkosher if he was not fully trained to perform the slaughter. An expert need not have expected that the mishap would occur and is exempt. However, if he was paid for his services, even the expert is responsible.
Some Jews are more prepared than others for the responsibilities the Torah places upon us. However, as we receive ample reward for our proper fulfillment, we are liable for the avoidable mistakes we make. Our concentration on the preparations to fulfill our task (the study of Torah) is valuable. Firstly, it increases the percentage of proper fulfillment over mistakes in our service of Hashem, which brings us significant award. Secondly, we are rewarded for the study itself, which is one of the greatest mitzvot. However, study is not an excuse that removes responsibility for mistakes that we make along the way. Punishment can be erased only through the special gifts of teshuva (repentance) and kaparah (atonement), which reach their peaks in the yearly cycle during the coming days.
Let us take this concept in its positive light to explain a well-known Talmudic statement. "Greater is [the reward of] he who is commanded and fulfills than one who is not commanded and fulfills" (Kiddushin 31a). Many explain that the evil inclination of he who is commanded raises the level of difficulty and brings more reward to he who succeeds. If we take the Me’am Lo’ez, in its converse, we can suggest the following. Since the fact that we are obligated makes us liable to be punished for not fulfilling, we are compensated by the fact that our fulfillment brings greater reward.
May all of us individually and collectively succeed in fulfilling our obligations and obtaining full atonement.
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
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)
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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.
