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Chazal call Sefer Vayikra, "Torat Kohanim" (the Laws of the Priests), but it is not a book that deals only with that tribe, but one that deals with the laws of the Nation of Priests. That is the reason there is an intermingling of topics between those that deal with more direct service of Hashem and those that regulate the religious and proper social life of the individual. Just as there are rules for what can and cannot be brought as a korban, so too there are rules of what one can and cannot eat. The idea is that a person’s table is like an altar (see Yechezkel 41:22). The food is, so to speak, elevated before it can be integrated into this body. The animal and vegetable become part of the human. The "dirt from the ground" becomes "a living soul" (see Bereishit 2:7) and the "image of G-d." Therefore, it is critically important what a person eats, as the food must be incorporated into the image of G-d. It must not have anything that is difficult to "digest spiritually" and cause a pollution of the spirit (see Yoma 39a).
One thus needs to have a spiritual diet. He must also be careful not to eat like a glutton. A person must not be "enslaved to his intestines." The halachot of kashrut must preserve him as a human, and prevent him from become animalistic. It is the animal that must be raised closer to the level of man, not vice versa.
One "impure source" said: "It is not important what one puts into his mouth. Rather, what is important is that which comes out of his mouth." This is a bad statement because the one who coined it did not realize that what one puts into his mouth affects that which comes out of it. Our nation’s special diet raises us to a level of sanctification (see Vayikra 11:44), which is what made us chosen and special among the nations.
Part of the deterioration in our days stems from the fact that many are not careful with what they eat. We therefore should have been surprised if there were no deterioration. This is one step in our spiritual development. Another is the way we act – whether it is in line with that which is written: "You shall be holy."
Igrot Hare’aya Refuting Criticism by the Ridbaz – #311 – part IV
Date and Place: 19 Sivan 5670 (1910), Yafo
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)
