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Beit Midrash
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The correlation between pleasantness and Eretz Yisrael is not coincidental. It flows from the different perceptions that exist in Eretz Yisrael’s atmosphere. While the words of Torah are not prophecy, when studied in Eretz Yisrael, they possess completeness. Eretz Yisrael is connected to Am Yisrael. This nation can be divided into different limbs and pieces, in which each one has its special role, and only in the way the sections are interconnected does each have its proper place.
The reason that Torah scholars in Eretz Yisrael interact with pleasantness is that they recognize the validity of different opinions – "These and those are the words of the living G-d" (Eruvin 13b). Just as Eretz Yisrael is missing nothing (see Devarim 8:9), even pepper (Yoma 81b), so too spiritually [many approaches are available]. One approach does not preclude another.
Originally in Eretz Yisrael, there were no [lasting] disputes because they would come to conclusions. Since it was known that the various opinions are legitimate, it became possible to accept the opinion supported by the majority. This fits with Chazal’s statement: "Why did Beit Hillel merit that the halacha follows them? Because they were gentle and humble" (Eruvin 13b). While these traits do not appear to have to do with Halacha, they must, because it takes such traits to reach the truth.
In contrast, when a person considers only his own position, it is impossible to have the matter decided even when the majority opposes him; this is what caused dispute. This explains the language of the pasuk: "When something will be beyond you … matters of quarrels" (Devarim 17:8), referring to unresolved halachic disputes. Then there is a need to "get up and go up to the place Hashem your G-d will choose. And you will come to the kohanim the levi’im and to the judge … and they will tell you the matter of judgment" (ibid. 8-9). In Jerusalem the tradition is kept pristinely, and decisions emerge from there.
Even so, "judges and officers you shall place in all your gateways which Hashem will give to you by your tribes" (Devarim 16:18). If the goal is to handle disputes, it ostensibly makes no difference whether it takes place in Eretz Yisrael or abroad. Rather the goal is to make sure the congregation includes all of the nation’s elements and that the judges will not be only in the place that Hashem chooses, but that everywhere Jews are, they will be connected to the judges.
Moreshet Shaul (48)
Various Rabbis
45 - MORESHET SHAUL: THE DAYS THAT THE HEAVEN IS ABOVE THE LAND – PART II
46 - MORESHET SHAUL: THE STAFF OF PLEASANTNESS
47 - I Will Bring You Back Up – part I
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Rav Kook’s Torah is built on uncovering what makes things special, the powers that impact the community beyond their desires and intentions, which is true of the influence of Eretz Yisrael.
"He gives a soul to the nation that is upon it" (Yeshayahu 42:5). Eretz Yisrael provides an "extra soul." Just as Rashi (Beitza 16a) explains the extra soul for Shabbat as allowing people to ingest more food than they should be capable of, Eretz Yisrael’s extra soul enables absorbing the excess and processing it in a way that returns it to its origin.
It is, though, necessary to be prepared to receive the Torah of Eretz Yisrael. Rav Zeira fasted 100 days to forget the Torah he knew from Bavel (Bava Metzia 85a). If there is no willingness to absorb, one can be in Eretz Yisrael without receiving anything special.
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 II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p.154
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Addresses to Students at Kfar Haroeh (1942, 1944)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 238
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: To Learn and to Be Happy – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 27
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)
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.
