YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Shmot
- Vayakhel
What is included in the principle of Torah from the Heaven, and how does it connect to other principles of the Torah? Realize that the nature of the Torah has great impact on how we learn it and fulfill it. If it is of divine origin, from the Creator, Who is not part of creation, and it is transcendental, we must come to the following conclusions:
A. We will not find a logical reason for every commandment of the Torah. Our most famous example is the laws of the Red Heifer. The existence of some such mitzvot is the logical outcome of receiving the Torah from a power that transcends mankind. In some ways, modern science has a similar outlook to the rules of the particles of atomic physics or the attempt to fathom the vast universe and all its galaxies. As the Rabbis said, "The goal of knowledge is to know that we do not know." Scientists have a similar concept called uncertainty.
B. Since Creation is under the dominion of time, moving only forward, we must live in recognition of this phenomenon. In contrast, in Tanach, which was Divinely given (each section in its own way), the order that is written need not be chronological, which is why we often use the rule that "there is no earlier and later in the Torah" (Pesachim 6b). The Exodus is also not presented in exact order. As we have discussed, the charge to Moshe in chapter 6 preceded that of chapters 3 & 4 (the burning bush). This should be remembered when telling the story on seder night.
C. When the Torah came down from Heaven to the physical world, it was figuratively "smashed into small pieces" and then recomposed through the work of the Men of the Great Assembly, who canonized Tanach. The prophet Yirmiyahu expresses it, "My Word is like fire, says, Hashem, and like a hammer that shatters a stone" (Yirmiyahu 23:29). When we study Torah, we need to locate all of the Torah’s "pieces" and unite them, to receive a clear picture. Note that the building of the Mishkan appears in five portions of Shemot, as well as in Vayikra and Bamidbar. If you study the topic in only one of the sections, you will get only a partial picture.
So too, the Exodus from Egypt, appears in four of the sections of the Torah – all but Bereishit. Even to that we need to add that which appears in the Prophets, such as Yoel, and in Tehillim. These complete our picture.
These ideas serve as one more manifestation of the importance of unity, which connects sections of the Nation, as the Torah sources need to be. We must gather elements that appear to be distant.
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
fast navigation
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
