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Beit Midrash
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The answer is in the great message of the flip-side of the giving requirement, the mandate that no one should surpass the set amount (ibid.:15), and the desired result of lechaper al nafshoteichem (to obtain atonement for your souls) (ibid.). Rashi (ad loc.) explains that the atonement refers to the korb’not tzibbur (the sacrifices of the public), which were bought from these monies.
The Imrei Baruch (pg. 203), basing himself on the B’er Moshe and others, explains that a major component of kapara (atonement), including that of Yom Kippur, is the existence of unity. There are korbanot that can be brought by a single individual but not by partners. Yet, these same korbanot can be brought on behalf of the community. While it is possible to say that this is a second track, there is a more profound explanation. That is that when a korban is brought by and for the entire nation, the mass of individuals merge into a single unit, the community.
In this context, the half shekel has special significance. In order to have a full sense of community, everyone must take part. There is no one who is exempt from the concept of giving. The halacha is that even one who has no choice but to be supported from tzedakah must donate at least a third of a shekel yearly. Otherwise, he does not fulfill his mitzva of tzedakah (Rambam, Matnot Aniyim 7:5). One could have thought that such a person would not be obligated in tzedakah, as, in effect, extenuating circumstances prevent him from doing so. After all, if he can spare the money he is giving, he shouldn’t have taken it in the first place.
While one can give technical answers, the correct one is apparently the following. Just as the poor person cannot be deprived of performing various ritual mitzvot (see Pesachim 99b), so too he cannot be deprived from taking part in the mitzva to donate. The ability to give connects one to the community in the most basic way.
At the other end of the spectrum, when one gives large donations, he receives a special part in the merits of the project(s) to which he gives. Not only does need necessitate taking significant donations from those who can afford it, but it is the right and privilege of the wealthy to do so, as the blessing of wealth was bestowed upon these people from Above. However, in the most basic matters of community, such as the korb’not tzibbur, everyone must be equals, or the full element of community will be missing, with all of its crucial values.
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Israel and the Nations A Few Minutes & Many Innovative Ideas on Antisemitism & What to do About It
As we approach the High Holidays, this short lecture (18 minutes) deals with the unfortunate situation of how Israel and the Jewish People stand against antisemitism, analyzing its cause according to Rav Kook, and how to deal with the issue pragmatically & via our prayers.
Ha'azinu PURSUIT is PERFECTION
p. Ha'azinu, Shabbat Shuva
Rav Kook deals with the question of the seemingly hopeless nature of Tshuva. For G-d Himself knows that He created us with free will, which inevitably means we will sometimes make mistakes and choose wrong. This can easily be frustrating, freezing us into inaction and ye'ush (loss of hope). If one sins even once, does he chalila have no choice but suicide?! Moreover, our Godly conscience demands justice, righteousness and perfection, but we all know this is impossible, so what's the solution? Rav Kook's innovative thinking, strongly based on chazal (our sages), offers an inciteful and important aspect to this topic, especially this time of year!
Sukkot Bug-Free Sukkah: Essential Halachic and Practical Schach Guide
How to inspect, clean, and store bamboo mats and palm branches to protect your mitzvah and holiday meals.
