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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
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The number that opens our parasha is, again, 127. A similarly phrased pasuk at the end of the parasha gives the years of Yishmael’s life as 137. This number appears twice in Parashat Vaeira as the years of the lives of Moshe’s forebears, Levi and Amram, which is a strong indication that the number is significant. Explaining the connection will help us answer our question.
The Jewish doctor, poet, and philosopher, R. Yedaya Hapenini Habadrashi made an enigmatic statement: "The point of knowledge is that we should not know." While many quoted and agreed with him, we must ask how lack of knowledge can be the point of knowledge?
Let us compare the goals of Torah study and of study of science. A scientist wants to understand as much as possible, especially the principles, and come up with a formula that gives the correct answer for each test case. If the results of the test cases do not work out with the principles, he knows that some knowledge is missing, and he must continue his work. It would seem there is no way to bridge the gap between these fields – Torah values lack of knowledge, whereas science values only knowledge.
Around 100 years ago, science began identifying areas in which it is impossible to apply standard physical equations. For one, it is now accepted that we can never know an electron’s location or momentum. Second, we will probably not succeed in incorporating into one system of formulas the four forces that operate in nature: gravitational force, electrical-electromagnetic force, weak atomic force, and strong atomic force. A third example: apparently, we will not succeed in knowing and defining the universe in all its parts and their locations, in relation to a specific point.
There is also a group of scientists who have accepted R. Yedaya’s thesis that a transcendental being exists outside the physical world, which controls the happenings in the world. While they do not believe in Hashem, it is a historical step forward. One cause is the realization that human conception is limited. Another is the discovery of constants without which the world could not exist as it does.
One important constant is the number 1/137 (called, the fine structure constant), which relates to the strength of the electromagnetic interaction between elementary charged particles. The importance of this constant was studied by two Jews, Arnold Sommerfeld and Wolfgang Pauli, the latter of which started learning Kabbala when he learned that its gematria is 137.
I would suggest that these developments are part of the beginning of the fulfillment of the prophecies that the whole world will eventually accept Hashem’s dominion.
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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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
