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Last time we highlighted two p’sukim that demonstrate the centrality of hearing even above seeing. One is Hashem’s assertion that at Sinai we "heard the sound of words" instead of seeing pictures (Devarim 4:12). The other is from Tehillim (40:7-8): "You formed ears for me … then I said, I come with a book written about me."
We continue along these lines with ideas from Rav David Cohen (the Nazir). He cites the Spanish philosophers who were influenced by Plato, who preferred the sense of seeing (aesthetics) over the sense of hearing. In contrast, the Jewish scholars of the Mussar Movement preferred hearing to seeing, "because the heard word is more clear and clean." The Nazir cites also Rabbeinu Yona of Gerona (several Rishonim lived in this Spanish city) in Shaarei Teshuva, who says that "the eye is very important, but the ear is more important. " Rabbeinu Bachyei (Kad Hakemach 7) writes similarly and connects it to the halacha that one who makes someone deaf must compensate the person’s full worth (Bava Kama 85a). See similar opinions in the Yaavetz (Avot 6:2) and the introduction of Orchot Tzaddikim.
The Nazir explains that what makes these senses special is that they help one acquire intellectual matters, which make a person complete. This is in line with the pasuk in Mishlei (20:12): "The ear hears and the eye sees, Hashem did both of these," mentioning the ear first. A similar phenomenon is found in Mishlei 15:31, and in Shir Hashirim 2:14, it says "…for your voice is sweet," and only afterward, "your appearance is pleasant."
We started our discussion with hearing the voice of the one G-d, and we finish our discussion with the sweet voice of Am Yisrael. We will continue with those themes next week.
As we have mentioned in the past, both from a biological and a linguistic perspective, the ear has a connection with balance. When extreme people do not listen to each other properly, dangerous situations develop. There is a need to find a balance between belief in Hashem and belief in the special qualities of the whole Jewish nation, as the Rabbis teach us: "All of Israel has a portion in the World to Come."
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)
Rabbis in Midrash
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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)
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.
