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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Moreshet Shaul
The ways of Hashem served as a guide for Avraham, before the Torah was given (Bereishit 18:19), and it is the foundation stone of all the mitzvot of the Torah, "which are included in His actions" (Moreh Nevuchim 1:54). The general approach of imitatio dei (to imitate our Maker) finds expression in the mitzva to "go in all His ways" (Devarim 10:12), which Chazal tell us, means to cling to His attributes (Sota 14a).
These conclusions teach us: 1. The rules of ethics are permanent and immutable; 2. They do not arise from a need to deal with human frailty and tendencies, in which a person’s likes and dislikes are important. 3. They are based not on feelings, but on justice and absolute truth.
The relationship in the Thirteen Attributes between the elements of mercy and the elements of punishment (12 to 1) demonstrate that "the world is built on kindness" (Tehillim 89:3). Hashem’s attribute of strict judgment is intended to preserve the foundation of the world so that it will not get swallowed up by giving in to evil, which is liable to take control, if steps to curb it will not be imposed.
In this way, justice protects society from all deterioration and deviation. This is also our understanding of mitzvot, which require a person to discipline himself and firmly rule over his inclinations. Laxness and concession to the wicked and to evil actually aid them to take over and uproot the foundation of kindness, and it is the latter that must build the world.
The expectation that man "imitate" the divine is very ambitious. It goes beyond the accepted attribute of fairness, which is: "that which is mine is mine, and that which is yours is yours." The world was not built on the latter, for if so, the world would not have to be created, since everything is His and from Him.
Moreshet Shaul (48)
Various Rabbis
10 - Moreshet Shaul: Fortunate is the King Who Is Thus Praised in His House
11 - Moreshet Shaul: The Ethics of the Torah
12 - Moreshet Shaul: With Sason, Not for Sason
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Since this idea obligates everyone, we see that the purpose of giving is giving itself. "This is truly the form of man … if man lives for himself … and withholds everything for himself, this is the opposite of the way he was created" (Rav Yerucham of Mir). This is the way Hashem created the world, as this is the trait embedded in man since he was created in Hashem’s form.
This also explains the obligation to be holy, in the context of intergender relations. When one’s physical enjoyment is only for himself, this causes kritut (being cut off from the world). It does not matter whether it is for mitzvot between people or in relation to Hashem. Everything is focused on a single goal – uncovering man’s true form.
Just as the purpose of justice is to serve kindness, so too the purpose of kindness is justice, since its source is in divine truth, which does not stem from emotions. It is incorrect to claim that in the hierarchy of values, justice is on a lower level than love and kindness or that the two are on different planes. Rather, they are both on the same level – it is a matter of "This is what Hashem wanted" (see Moreh Nevuchim 50:13) or "So did His wisdom decree."
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: To Learn and to Be Happy – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 27
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Discipline in Informal Education – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 168
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)
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)
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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
