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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Igrot Hare’aya
Body : … The Rambam does not rule [according to his philosophical explanation in Moreh Nevuchim] as practical halacha. There are other instances in which the reason he gives for a mitzva does not fit the corresponding halacha (e.g., regarding "an eye for an eye," and one who says "His mercy extends to a bird’s nest"). The Rambam posits that in philosophical matters, there is no concept of a formal ruling to follow one opinion; therefore, anyone can take a side in the matter. In contrast, there is a prohibition against straying from the accepted Halacha, [so one must conform to what has been accepted]. This is also the opinion of Chovot Halevavot in his introduction, that the prohibition against arguing on official Rabbinical rulings is only on practical matters, such as blood and blood, law and law (see Devarim 17:8). This follows the Talmud Bavli (Sanhedrin 88), which explains that Torah portion regarding practical matters. The Yerushalmi (Sanhedrin 10:3) relates "a matter" to aggadic matters, i.e., philosophy, so that the prohibition of rejecting Rabbinical rulings also applies to them.
This is the basis for the disagreement among Gaonic scholars, Rav Shrira and Rav Hai, on one side, Rav Shmuel ben Chofni and Rav Sa’adia on the other. Both sides posit words of the living G-d, and disagree along the lines of the Talmud of the West and of the East. The Rambam is like Rav Sa’adia. It is logical that although one cannot argue on a practical matter against a Talmudic conclusion, one may decide on a matter of contemplation according to an opinion that makes more sense to him, if that opinion is based on Torah rules and a Rabbinic opinion, as he explained regarding the reasoning behind mitzvot in general.
Restoration of Sanhedrin – #303
Igrot Hare’aya (200)
Beit Din Eretz Hemda - Gazit
203 - Advice on Studying Spirituality – #301
204 - “Rulings” on Philosophical Matters? – #302
205 - Shemitta Work at Israel National Fund Land – #
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Recipient and Background : Rav Aharon Mendel Cohen (Baharan), who left Eretz Yisrael to become chief rabbi of the Ashkenazim of Cairo. One of his books urges the restoration of the Sanhedrin.
Body : In response to your letter, I must tell you that I do not believe the time is right to make a gathering for the sole purpose of restoring authentic rabbinical ordination. People will not be responsive to this, and critics from various camps will circle in on us, and they might be correct. This generation is tremendously small, intellectually, and lowly in comparison to previous generations, with but a few exceptions. Nothing will awaken more shock and ridicule than to try to initiate something that was done and then rejected (in the 16 th Century), which is much worse than something that never came to fruition.
We should just assemble a large rabbinic convention in the Holy Land, specifically in Yerushalayim, and give it the status of a "congress." In other words, it should come faithfully every 1-3 years. It will focus on all matters of the nation that can be discussed by holy men, who truly love Hashem and His nation. If such a gathering will decide to look toward the ultimate salvation by beginning preparations for removing the impediments to semicha and develop the matter with special writings on the matter, it is possible that along with other things they will accomplish, this would be a major one. In any case, it will not be the first or last matter at the gathering.
If you accept my suggestion, [we should use] your experience with such events, such as your convention in Cracow (1903), which became well known at the time and could have had greater results had it not been interrupted. I will lend my small hand for whatever you want me to do, if it is likely to be spiritually rewarding.
Beit Din Eretz Hemda - Gazit
P'ninat Mishpat Limits of Interest Rate for Loan with Heter Iska – part I
based on ruling 80033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
Igrot Hare’aya Trying to Arrange Purchase of Land in Eretz Yisrael
#222 Date and Place: 2 Elul 5669 (1909), Rechovot
P'ninat Mishpat A Commercial Rental for a Closed Business – part II
based on ruling 80047 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
P'ninat Mishpat Repercussions of a Sale that Turned Out Not Happening – part III
(based on ruling 83045 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Igrot Hare’aya What Requires Protest? – #279
Igrot Hare’aya – Letters of Rav Kook Date and Place: 15 Adar I 5670 (1910), Yafo
Igrot Hare’aya Informing a Friend he Is Not Insulted – #320
Date and Place: 5 Menachem Av 5670 (1910), Rechovot (probably)
Igrot Hare’aya Alternatives to Gymnasium and Grafted Etrogim – #286
Date and Place: 18 Adar II, 5670 (1910), Yafo
Igrot Hare’aya A Public Letter on Observance of Shemitta – #287 – part I
Date and Place: 4 Nisan 5670 (1910), Yafo
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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)
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
