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One of the greatest poskim of the last 200 years taught us about agricultural work’s value in Eretz Yisrael. Rabbi Yishmael and Rabbi Shimon (Berachot 35b) argued on reconciling two apparently contradictory p’sukim. We are told "You shall harvest your grain, wine, and oil" (Devarim 11:14). Yet, it says "The Torah scroll shall not move from your mouth, and you shall contemplate it day and night" (Yehoshua 1:8), which sounds like there is no time for agriculture. Rabbi Yishmael says one should work the land "like the way of the land" and learn Torah in the remaining time. Rabbi Shimon says learning should be constant, and if we are on the proper spiritual level, others will handle our physical needs. Thus, the pasuk discussing harvesting refers to those insufficiently serving Hashem.
Questions asked on Rabbi Shimon include: 1) How does one give precedence to the pasuk in Yehoshua over that in the Torah? 2) How can the pasuk in Devarim, following "If you listen to My commandments…" (11:13), refer to one not acting properly?
The Chatam Sofer (Sukka 36a) posits that Rabbi Yishmael’s approach applies only in Eretz Yisrael, where working the land is itself a mitzva of developing the Land and extracting its holy produce. There, "you shall harvest …" is a mitzva, and the holy Boaz (David’s great grandfather) processed his grain (Ruth 3:2). The Chatam Sofer argues in Rabbi Yishmael’s name: Would you tell someone not to put on tefillin because he is too busy learning Torah?! Finally, he says this mitzva may apply to any work advancing society. Practically, developing Eretz Yisrael is a constant mitzva, as even the mundane is holy here.
The Chatam Sofer thus didn’t imagine that Am Yisrael would return to the Land with very committed Jews forming a segment divorcing itself from physically developing the Land, saying "I will not harvest my grain because of Torah study." Can one rely on miracles, or on the State (itself a miracle), putting the burden on others? We have no precedent of a whole segment of society claiming exemption from building community and supporting families (as husbands obligate themselves in their ketubot).
Torah study is a crucial pillar of Jewish society. Along with modest work should come "make your Torah set" (Avot1:15). There should be shiurim in workplaces during breaks. Even in the Diaspora, Jewish communities made Torah study central, and Israel should encourage it. However, only an elite cadre should set aside many years for full-time Torah learning, afterward going on to important rabbinic positions.
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)
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)
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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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
