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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Moreshet Shaul
The older a talmid chacham (Torah scholar) becomes, the more settled his mind becomes (Kinim 3:6). The same viewpoint that started in his youth accompanies him into old age, without deviation and zigzagging, without failures and the need to repent. Rather the scholar started off on the right path and just became increasingly settled. Matters started as a first thought and then become increasingly confirmed. It starts off, "It should be correct because it must be," and it later becomes crystal clear. "And Yosef was in Egypt" (Shemot 1:5), about which the Rabbis says that he was the same Yosef in Egypt as he was in his father’s house (Shemot Rabba 1:7). Yosef in hard times and at the height of success was the same, because the truth is one and unchanging.
In this time (1985) of confused philosophies, it is good to find clear presentations, without cloudiness and doubts. [The book] answers two questions: How are we as a nation? What role does the [Zionist] movement have within the nation?
The Zionist ideology that guided the aliya to the Land from the beginning of the Zionist movement has put the stress on our cohesiveness as a nation, and as such, on our connection to the Land and everything that relates to it. Although this seems generally correct, it is unclear what the essence of this nationalism is. Are we united by our genealogical origin, and the rest is up to everyone’s free will? Are there other ways to coalesce? For example, perhaps language is critical. In Diaspora lands, we became fluent in the national language or some dialect of it, due to our having come from a different country, so we spoke some seventy languages.
Only the stubborn will deny the feeling of connection to others who are of the same origin, as a strong feeling that beats in the heart of the Jew. What else pushes a liberal American millionaire to be interested in Israel or to speak to his powerful leaders about obtaining the freedom of refuseniks in Russia? It is this connection that understandably pushes him to action.
But if this is it, is it not possible that in a generation or two this recognition will fade until it disappears totally? Ben Gurion once spoke of purpose and uniqueness, on the claim that the heart of a Jew beats with a deeper feeling of morality. But one must still ask: Does this feeling of being special give the power to willingly accept all of the difficulties the state needs to struggle with on a daily basis? What prevents the young man or woman from looking for contentment in other countries, especially those that are stable, rich, and secure?
We must add on to these questions. What is the image of our nation in its land if there is nothing constant that unites its members with our brethren in the diaspora? Consider especially that if somehow a peace treaty will be implemented, which is what we are looking forward to, will we not have intermarriage with a foreign nation? Then, there will be no unity left with the nation in the diaspora. These are thoughts that can drive us mad – it raises the possibility that the formation of the State of Israel, would not be one that solves problems, but that arouses bigger problems for our existence as a nation.
We will continue next time.
Moreshet Shaul (48)
Various Rabbis
18 - Moreshet Shaul: Connection between Talmid Chacham and Am Ha’aretz
19 - Moreshet Shaul: What Connects Us as a Nation – part I
20 - Moreshet Shaul: What Connects Us as a Nation – part II
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Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Spiritual Self-Improvement – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 405-7 (from the 1930s
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Inability to Pass on Abandoned Tradition – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 733 (1937)
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
