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Chazal find a hint to tzarut ayin in the following p’sukim. Regarding an affliction of the house, the Torah says: "The one, that the house is his, comes" (Vayikra 14). The gemara says that this refers to one who sets his house aside for himself alone and refuses to share his utensils. After claiming that he does not have what his neighbor requests, he is forced to remove his wares for all to see upon evacuating the afflicted house.
The Meshech Chochma explains halachot of tzara’at based on the connection to tzarut ayin. The Torah requires the leper to stay alone outside the encampment (Vayikra 13:46), isolated even from other impure people (Pesachim 67a). This is part of a punishment that fits the crime. He who is unwilling to contribute to society is deprived of basic human interaction. Another halacha that takes on new light relates to the expense of the korban the afflicted is supposed to bring. In general, regarding korbanot that are more or less expensive depending on one’s financial capabilities, if one spent less than prescribed on the korban, he fulfills his obligation anyway. However, a rich leper who brought a korban befitting a poor one does not fulfill his obligation (Yoma 41b). Since tzarut ayin is a factor in tzara’at, one who maintains his characteristic of stinginess cannot expect to receive atonement in that manner.
There are also halachic proofs that the Torah encourages social interconnectedness. If a husband uses oaths to prevent his wife from lending utensils to neighbors, this can be used as grounds for divorce (Ketubot 72a). This is because the Torah views community life and proper relationships with neighbors as basic needs that it is forbidden to deprive a person of.
Furthermore, the halacha is that while two witnesses are usually required to establish facts, when it comes to questions of whether something is forbidden or permitted, one witness is sufficient (ed echad ne’eman b’issurin - Gittin 2b). The Ritva (ad loc.) explains that if this were not so, it would be impossible for one to be a guest at another’s house and eat his food. Thus, social needs ensure the relaxation of certain halachic standards (as subscribed by halacha), showing the relative importance of mitzvot between man and man.
Thus, we have seen that tzarut ayin, an anti-social trait, is, in regard to tzara’at, comparable to the cardinal sins. Let us cling to the values and traits needed to be positive members of society.
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Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 2
The King of the Kazars, in his search for truth, starts by inviting the philosopher. This is a "crash-course" on Aristotelian philosophy and the reasons why the king is not convinced. Through this dialogue, R. Yehuda HaLevi already foreshadows some of his central ideas that will appear later.
Shavuot "Love of Torah = Love of Israel"- for Shavuot
People often identify Judaism as just a religion, but upon examination, we see, even halachically and explicitly in the siddur, that the Torah is dependent upon Am Yisrael, Jewish nationalism.
Ein Aya The Middle-Child & Anti-Tzni'ut Syndrome- Negative Attention
Although tzni'ut is for men just like women, Rav Kook deals here with the sources in Yishayahu and the Talmud which deals with the special problem of lack of tzni'ut in women's dress and actions, where it's not just a problem of midot and character traits, but also can include practical, social and national ramifications, as well, which caused the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash and exile from Israel. The class continues the previous one (Ayn Aya Shabbat vi, 29), and is a must for all educators and parents of high-school aged and young adults.
P'ninat Mishpat P'NINAT MISHPAT: A Mess of Loans, Repayments and Grievances – part II
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts