Informing a Friend he Is Not Insulted – #320 | Beit Din Eretz Hemda - Gazit | Beit Midrash

Beit Midrash

Sections
Chemdat Yamim
Igrot Hare’aya

קטגוריה משנית

Parashat Hashavua Series'Library Piskei Din (Hebrew)Test Yourself

Recipient and Background: Rav Yaakov Moshe Charlop, prominent rabbi in Yerushalayim, later to be a close disciple of Rav Kook. This letter, which was a response to an open letter by Rav Charlop, was published in the newspaper, "Hacheirut."

Body: I received today your open letter, and I am very sorry about your dear soul’s pain, for thinking I would harbor resentment towards you, Heaven forbid. I know that all your actions, distinguished Torah scholar, are for Heaven’s sake. So, how can I resent you, even if you did something against me. Especially, we should consider that the matter relates to strengthening the Rabbinical Court of Yerushalayim, which is very important. If I could, I would be one of the first to protest against those who stood up to denigrate the members of the court. What is the connection between differences of opinion on Halacha and denigration? It causes me great pain that the matter left its proper arena.

Igrot Hare’aya (200)

Beit Din Eretz Hemda - Gazit

227 - Excitement over a Friend’s New Newspaper – #319

228 - Informing a Friend he Is Not Insulted – #320

229 - Language of Instruction for Rav Kook’s Yeshiva – #325

Regarding me, I am, thank G-d, happy with any matter of insult, even from those who intend to anger me, especially since this "heavy" ruling (of leniency on Shemitta) is like a fast for a bad dream on Shabbat and other cases where even the correct ruling includes element of sin, which need atonement. Although the mitzva is far greater, in my opinion, than the sin that is involved (uprooting Shemitta, relying on leniency), there is still an element of sin requiring atonement. May it be His will that this emotional distress will atone, and the strength of the mitzva to expand the Jewish settlement of the Holy Land, at this auspicious time of the blossoming of the prospect of salvation for Hashem’s nation, will give its light and sanctity. Hashem is in the midst of protecting his whole holy nation with His strength, blessing everything they do on holy soil, as He speedily raises the hope of salvation.

Generally, I ask my respected dear friend not to cause himself any emotional pain and certainly no damage, by publicizing our emotional bond and trustworthy love, when I, unfortunately have many opponents. "Your love is better than wine" (Shir Hashirim 1:2) – but speech is bad for wine (Kritot 6a). May the Rock of Israel speedily reveal the light of His redemption and joy of His sanctity. May we all be comforted with Yerushalayim, as Hashem speaks in peace to His nation and His pious people.

Discussing Hebrew Word with Ben Yehuda – #324

Date and Place: 16 Menachem Av 5670 (1910), Rechovot

Recipient and Background: Eliezer Ben Yehuda, the famous philologist, generally considered the father of Modern Hebrew. As Ben Yehuda tried to base Modern Hebrew on biblical and rabbinic Hebrew over Jewish history, Rav Kook was one of the scholars from whom he sought insight.

Summary: Ben Yehuda asked Rav Kook for the source of "hechsher" meaning rabbinic certification of kashrut. (In Talmudic contexts, it refers to a liquid preparing food to become impure or generally facilitating halachically significant matters).

"Ktav hechsher" is used for certification in the Chayei Adam (127:3) and Shaarei Teshuva. "Ktav" alone is found in the Responsa of Mahari Anzel, Torat Chesed (Lublin), Pri Etz Hadar, and Rav Shlomo Kluger and rabbis of his generation. It is also found regarding the suitability of etrogim. (Rav Kook could not guarantee where exactly in each work it was found, as he did not have access to all of the works.) It is also found regarding ribbit (usury) in many Sephardic works, including the Mabit, Knesset Hagedola, Birkei Yosef, and Maharashdam.

Igrot Hare’aya