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One can claim that these three opinions relate to three periods in a person’s life. When one is young, and the world is before him, he steps confidently and with pride, and disregards that which stands in his way. He thinks he understands better and will be more successful; he will change how the world operates and will build a new society. He is like David’s armies.
As the person grows older, his illusions slowly dissipate. Instead of dreams of changing the world and society, he develops the desire to secure for himself a safe place under the sun, in this world. He needs his personal and family success, as he goes up to the mountain pass, which appears too narrow for someone else to be there (see Rashi ad loc.). He pushes and uses his elbows so that he can make it to the top of Bnei Maron.
This stage also passes, and a person’s decline ensues. His posture is no longer straight, his hair grays, and his eyesight deteriorates. So does the confidence, and the person becomes a weak figure, caring mainly about his health, food and tranquility. This is the stage of the flock.
We also say in the Yamim Noraim davening that we are either like children or like servants – there is no third possibility. The way the person acted in all of his stages is not necessarily what he decided, but what his human nature set out for him. The Rabbis say that servants prefer lack of accountability (Gittin 13a). That is what he wants, but he does not realize that he really is a slave.
However, if one is able to live his life as a child of Hashem, then he can switch the order of the stages. He can start as a sheep in the flock – docile, with fine attributes, accepting the dominion of those who are above him. Then he can make it to be one who climbs the mountain of Bnei Maron, trying to overcome his weaknesses, which, if he does, will ensure his success. Finally he is like a soldier in David’s armies – if there are challenges before him, he at least has weapons to use, in this case, relating to knowledge and good actions.
His old age will then not be an unproductive period, but rather, "the older they become the more wisdom they have" (Shabbat 152a). Whereas the body weakens, the spiritual powers increase, as the Torah says about Avraham, who was "coming with the days," which the midrash says meant he was progressing (Bereishit Rabba 59), in a different manner than the calendar on the wall progresses.
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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
