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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
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It appears that the Torah deals more strictly with an unfaithful wife than with an unfaithful husband. But the Torah teaches that in order to experience the Divine Presence, there should be a proper relationship between one man and one woman. The Torah calls couples, a man who "leaves his parents and clings to his wife and become one flesh" (Bereishit 2:23-24).
Admittedly, the Torah allows a man to marry more than one woman, which was a sociological need in yesteryear. However, the Torah consistently stressed the problematic nature of having multiple wives. Lemech lamented his lot to his two wives, and he turned into the second recorded murderer (ibid. 4:19-23). After Cain killed his brother, Lemech killed his son. Chazal lamented about such men and their two wives, one for childbearing, who was mistreated, while the other one for his enjoyment was rendered sterile with ancient drugs and occupied herself with beautification. Indeed, in polygamy, at least one wife would be treated improperly.
When the Torah discusses the laws of two wives (Devarim 21:15), one of them is described as "hated." The next section discusses the wayward son (ibid. 18), which is no coincidence. The navi (Shmuel I, 1:6) calls a co-wife a tzara (a cause of pain). In all of Tanach, there is no polygamous relationship which is presented as an ideal union.
So why is the unfaithful wife worse than the unfaithful husband? Until recent times, relations made it very likely that children would be born, and the prospect of a husband having to raise his wife’s illegitimate child was unfair to the husband financially and emotionally. If a man took two wives, he would rightfully be responsible for the welfare of the children of both.
We will end off with another perspective. The waters that checked the sota to see if her denial of impropriety was correct only worked when the suspicious husband was free of any sexual impropriety himself (Yevamot 58a). The obligation of fidelity cuts two ways. No house can have the dwelling of the Divine Presence unless both he and she are worthy of it.
Reviewing the salient lessons: 1. Men and women must not become intoxicated, which opens the door to sin. 2. Ideally, a household has one husband and one wife. 3. The goal of a couple is to create a home for the Divine Presence, impacting both parents and children. 4. The obligation to be loyal is mutual in marriage, and it is the basis for peace and fraternity, within the family and in harmonious successful life.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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