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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Vayikra
- Bechukotai
One takes the kosher animals that are born during the course of the year and passes them through a narrow area so that they go one at-a-time. The tenth animal to go by is hit by a rod and becomes holy. If it is fit to serve as a korban, it is brought to the Beit Hamikdash, slaughtered, has its blood sprinkled, and certain of its parts are burnt on the mizbeach (altar). The flock owner has rights to eat the rest of the meat in Yerushalayim. If the ma’aser animal is blemished, it may not be brought as a korban, and it is eligible to be eaten anywhere. These halachot resemble those of the bechor (firstborn). Both types of animal sanctity involve an owner who does not choose the animal to bring as a korban, which is dictated by the circumstances. The main difference is who eats most of the meat – bechor by a kohen, ma’aser by the owner or whomever he allows (Zevachim 5:8).
Logic and sources (including Vayikra 22:18-25; Rashi, Bereishit 4:3) indicate that it is proper to bring choice, or at least normal objects, as a sacrifice. Here, not only is that not required, but it is forbidden to try to arrange that the tenth animal to go through will be a nice one, or even a valid one (see Vayikra 27:33; Bechorot 57a)! This is different from a blemished bechor, as there is no possibility of choosing a bechor, and different from an animal that was already chosen for a korban, which afterwards cannot be switched (see Vayikra 27:10). In this case, what is wrong with arranging that a proper animal be the tenth?
Perhaps we can draw inspiration from the reason for ma’aser beheima. The Sefer Hachinuch (#360) explains it as the parallel of ma’aser sheni (the latter, for vegetation), meaning the following. Hashem wanted the Jewish landowner to have things pushing him to spend time, himself or someone close to him, in the sanctity of Yerushalayim. Therefore, he gave us the mitzvot of ma’aser beheima and ma’aser sheni - things that can only be eaten there. This is different from bechor, where something intrinsic about a bechor causes the need for it to be brought (see Shemot 13:15).
Perhaps this is the lesson. It is a blessing to have occasion to spend extra time immersed in the sanctity and religious intensity of Yerushalayim, and it should not be reserved only for those who engage in agriculture, but also those involved in raising livestock. On the other hand, it is far from a given that Hashem will arrange this privilege for everyone. Hashem determines each person’s life trajectory. Some people’s ma’aser animal will be blemished, and they will not have it to eat it in Yerushalayim. One should not try to fight such an eventuality by making sure the tenth is fit for a korban. He should see what "cards Hashem deals" him. Yet, he still has the possibility to embrace sanctity. It is just that he may need to take a different path than one whose ma’aser beheima helps facilitate his spiritual immersion.
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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.
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The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
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(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
