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Beit Midrash
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- Moreshet Shaul
In raising the matter of the connection between Halacha and philosophy, you discuss my contention that the hidden sanctity of Eretz Yisrael does not find direct expression in Halacha. You believe that this contradicts what Rav Kook writes in Shabbat Ha’aretz (ch. 15): "The mitzva to settle in the Land is not dependent on conquering it and sanctifying it…"
In fact, the very matter of whether there is an independent mitzva from the Torah to live in Eretz Yisrael is the subject of dispute. The Rashbash (2), Pe’at Hashulchan (1:9) and several other Acharonim’s understanding of the Rambam is that there is no such mitzva from the Torah, and this also seems to be the opinion of Rabbeinu Chaim in Tosafot (Ketubot 110b).
Actually, even if there is a mitzva from the Torah, it does not overlap precisely with the specific place’s spiritual sanctity. This is what the Tashbetz (III:200) writes: "The sanctity in regard to the Divine Presence and the sanctity regarding mitzvot are two different matters. Sanctity of the Divine Presence exists specifically to the west of the Jordan River, whereas the kedusha [that is related to] mitzvot is on either [side of the Jordan]." The obligation to move to Eretz Yisrael is due to the sanctity regarding mitzvot.
In the language of the Kaftor Vaferach, which Rav Kook cited, different expressions are used. In one place, he writes: "… the sanctity of the entire Land, from the time of the first sanctification (at the time of Yehoshua) and on, remains as it was." This indicates that the conquest of the Land and its sanctification in relation to its inhabitation renew the mitzva, just that [according to his opinion, once the sanctity begins] it does not cease. In any case, this is not the spiritual sanctity of the Land that started from the time of Creation, and it applies only west of the Jordan. Thus, the spiritual sanctity does not align precisely with the practical implications of the Land.
It is clear that the foundation [of the status of the Land] is the spiritual sanctity, but that in order for this to find fruition, the fulfillment of other conditions is needed. According to some, it can also expand or contract in regard to space, as can happen when [the control that came] with conquest ceases. This aligns with what I wrote that the innate sanctity does not have a direct expression in Halacha. In other words, the halacha is influenced by the spiritual foundations, but the mechanism is activated only indirectly through other practical factors, whether in the positive or the negative direction.
The Ramban (Omissions, Aseh #4) does not relate in presenting his thesis (that there is a mitzva from the Torah to conquer and inhabit the Land in all eras) to the connection to the spiritual sanctity of the Land (the Kaftor Vaferech does). [Rav Yisraeli then goes into some more detailed halachic analysis, which he says will be discussed in his upcoming book (Eretz Hemdah, published in fact the next year)].
Moreshet Shaul (48)
Various Rabbis
26 - Moreshet Shaul: Discipline in Informal Education – part II
27 - Moreshet Shaul: Eretz Yisrael in Halacha and in Sanctity – part I
28 - Moreshet Shaul: Eretz Yisrael in Halacha and in Sanctity – part II
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Various Rabbis
Various Rabbis including those of of Yeshivat Bet El, such as Rabbi Chaim Katz, Rabbi Binyamin Bamberger and Rabbi Yitzchak Greenblat and others.
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: A Crown and its Scepter – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 294-5
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Character Refinement – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p.154
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Character Refinement – part IV
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p.154
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Discipline in Informal Education – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 168-170
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: What Connects Us as a Nation – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 704
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)
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
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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)
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)
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
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
