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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
The three patriarchs each passed on to the nation, a special quality that he epitomized: Torah, service of Hashem, and acts of kindness. Avraham, as the pillar of kindness, was the most foundational of the patriarchs (see Rashi, Bereishit 12:2). Yitzchak, who allowed himself to be tied down as a sacrifice, was the pillar of service of Hashem. He revealed our power of self-sacrifice for the sanctity of Hashem. These two powers can have their full impact only when the light of Torah lights up one’s inner soul, and gives meaning to the self-sacrifice and kind deeds. That is the reason that Avraham was saved in the merit of Yaakov. All of these powers together form the basis of a Jew.
Some people talk of acts of kindness, but they primarily want to receive rather than give. The monks who swore off pleasures of the world are the ones who created the Inquisition. Only the Torah of Israel gives things proper balance.
Torah sets forth a special approach to life. Yaakov not only epitomizes Torah but an approach to life based on Torah in which simple necessities suffice (see Avot 6:4). In order to imprint into Israel the seal of Torah, Yaakov had to have his physical body tested as well. He had to undergo the fearful state of being a stranger in exile, and he indeed experienced difficulties from a young age. He bought the firstborn status and received the coveted blessings, but instead of making life easier, it just aroused Eisav’s wrath. While it was Eisav who was enjoying the pleasures of the Land, Yaakov had a humble existence on the other side of the Jordan (see Bereishit 32:11).
Although the Sons of Yaakov passed many "Jordans" on the way to exiles, they never become one with their countries of exile but remained in each only a few generations. While they are always a step away from the next expulsion, they survive. "If not for the enjoyment of the Torah, I would have been lost in my affliction" (Tehillim 119:92). This is what made us the Nation of the Book, and separated us from a permanent connection to the earth, as is common for nations. Because of this, Yaakov’s "inheritance" is unlimited. That is the idea of the ladder whose legs are on the ground but whose head is in the Heavens (Bereishit 28:12). There is a higher goal than the ground from which the ladder emanates. Yaakov had no one house, so the whole world was his house.
When one "indulges Shabbat," he receives Yaakov’s lot. It is not just the positive acts of eating delicious foods and make oneself happy, but "giving back" to Shabbat, increasing its sanctity, that is truly worth reward. When one embraces the "signs" of Shabbat (see Shemot 31:13, 17), leaving behind the troubles of the week and breaking the bonds to the land, he receives the inheritance of Yaakov.
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.
