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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
The physical connection between a husband and wife needs sanctification and to be part of a real connection. This is the closest thing to the connection between Am Yisrael and Hashem, which is why the gemara (Sota 17a) says that if a couple succeeds in their relationship, the Divine Presence is between them.
The wounds and lesions that comprise tzara’at (roughly, leprosy) in a person’s body, which would seem to indicate a physiological problem, have an important spiritual connection. They are related to the question the person can be asked: "What came out of your mouth – divrei Torah or lashon hara?"
In the last few years, effort has been focused on producing cultured meat, at a price that people can afford. Now that it seems practical, we will have to see how it will affect the Jewish kitchen. In our tenth volume of Bemareh Habazak (which came out a few weeks ago), we wrote about halachic elements of this technology; let us review the spiritual background as well.
Only after the Flood, did it become permitted to take the life of a living being and eat it, as previously only "vegetable" foods were permitted to mankind (see Bereishit 1:29). Hashem permitted Noach and his descendants to eat meat (without blood) (ibid. 9:3). At that time, there was a need to reinforce that murder of fellow humans would remain strictly forbidden (ibid. 6). At that time, it also became forbidden to be cruel to animals and eat a limb when the animal was still alive (see Sanhedrin 57a, based on Bereishit 9:4). The development of "meat handling" raised moral questions, mainly in regard to cruelty to animals (see Bava Metzia 32a). These issues follow us, as Jews and as human beings.
The matter of bal tashchit, not causing unnecessary damage to the world around us, which Hashem so wonderfully granted us, also relates to the opportunity to make food that is effectively meat, but does not negatively impact the ecology.
Success in producing cultured meat, which might be pareve even on the level of Rabbinic law, will be revolutionary for the Jewish kitchen and the difficulty of separating between meat and milk. This will require us to widen halachic discussion on the status of this "meat," and we will also look with interest to see what becomes accepted, not only rabbinically but also in the grass roots. We pray that cultured meat will be incorporated into an improving world. This can provide a boost, which we hope will encompass the relationships between man and his fellow man and man and the world around him.
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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.
