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Beit Midrash
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It is traditionally accepted (ed. note – with noticeable change since this was written 80 years ago) that a woman’s nature is not to create new phenomena. She is not in contact with the new. All of her honor is inward (see Tehillim 45:14). However, she watches with great care and great insistence that which she is given – more than a man does. In many homes, the "fragrance of Judaism" has waned, but the women have still preserved it in their kitchens. That is where the woman is in charge, and that is where she prevents changes from occurring.
The gemara does tell a story of criticism of a woman. She was married to a holy man, and she would fasten his tefillin to his arm. When he died, she married a tax collector, and then she would fasten the seals of a tax collector (a frowned upon profession) onto his arm (Avoda Zara 39a). That is because her level of righteousness depends on the environs she finds herself in, which sets its imprint upon her. However, once the "imprint" is set, it remains forever.
This watchfulness is especially important in our times and in our [type of] community. We (Rav Yisraeli was the founding rabbi of the Kfar Haroeh, an important religious moshav) are involved in new forms of living, or actually in the renewal of a type of life that we lost and forgot as time went on. That which is new is attractive to the heart and exciting. It is a great danger that the new will be built to a great extent on the foundation of belittling the old, without remembering that the new has a leg to stand, a future, and value only to the extent that it is based on the old.
It is important for us to stress repeatedly the side of conservatism, which includes being careful and exacting about all accepted practices. I refer not just to being careful over halachic matters but even to be careful about matters connected to the customs of the Jewish People. Even those things that are called "yikhat em" (see Mishlei 30:17), things that our mothers were careful about, are valued like laws of the Torah themselves.
There are times when people are fooled into wanting to do an action that has great prominence from an external perspective, thinking it is better than that done in a more private manner. However, the outcome is of little-to-no value, and the impression it leaves dissipates quickly and disappears as if it never existed.
Chazal proclaimed: "We only try to strengthen those who are strong" (Psikta, Naso). Only those who are in tune with the idea of strengthening will benefit from the exhortations. For them, that which is done will not be lost but will give fruit.
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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.
