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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Chukat
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Yehudah ben Hadasah Hinde Malkah
Rashi’s grandson, the Rashbam, understands these introductory words as connected to the ensuing discussion of the general laws of impurity involving the deceased, which is introduced by the words, "this is the Torah." Thus, the opening of the parasha is not a statement that sheds light on our view of the rest of the Torah.
The Ohr Hachayim understands that chuka is specifically related to the Torah as a whole (like Rashi) but that it does shed light on it in the following way. His kabbalisticly based explanation posits that the laws of impurity became necessary because we accepted the Torah. The higher spiritual level that comes from the Torah makes us more vulnerable to the effects of impurity. Forces try to disrupt our souls, which are more sensitive because of our connection to the Torah.
The Sefat Emet brings an idea that stems from a different approach to the root chakoh. This can mean engraved, as indeed the Torah is supposed to be engraved upon our hearts. There should be permanence and depth to our connection to the Torah, as Shamai said: "Make your Torah permanent" (Avot 1:15). The factor that constantly guides our actions first and foremost should be Torah. It is not that Shamai is telling us not to be involved in the "way of the world" (normal human activities). Rather, even when we are involved in worldly activities, the Torah that is engraved upon our hearts should be dominant in our decision making.
The midrash (P’sikta Rabbati 14) says that the para aduma is connected to the hachanasat orchim (welcoming of guests) that Avraham carried out. Avraham brought water for the angels to wash their feet and ran to the cattle. So too the purification of Avraham’s children comes from putting ashes from a cow into water and having it sprinkled on them.
Let us connect the idea of the midrash with that of the Sefat Emet, arriving at the following. Shamai continues, after discussing the permanence of Torah, by saying that you should greet everyone with an inviting face. Shamai demands that we should greet guests like Avraham. In this way, we make all parts of our life connected to Torah in the fullest sense, not only studying lofty principles, but also applying them in a warm and graceful manner, promising little and providing a lot.
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)
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)
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
