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Beit Midrash
- Jewish Laws and Thoughts
- Pathways in Personality Development
- Humility, Holiness and Fearing Hashem
- Jewish Laws and Thoughts
- Personality Development
- Anava - Humility
A humble person is content with his lot and is thankful for whatever he receives. He does not feel as if he deserves more than what he has. He is happy with what he has. The conceited person, by contrast, who seeks out honor and desires respect, is never satisfied with what he receives. He always feels as if he is lacking something. He is ever envious of others. A humble person, because he is content with his lot, does not envy others. He feels as if he always receives more than what he deserves.
Hasidic legend relates that once, two great Torah scholars went to visit the famous disciple of the Baal Shem Tov, the Maggid of Mezritch, and to witness his greatness for themselves. During their visit, they asked the Maggid to explain the words of the sages, "A person must bless over hardships in the same manner that he blesses over good fortune." How, they asked, can a person recite a blessing over misfortune and be thankful for it in the same way that he blesses over goodness?
The Maggid of Mezritch answered them saying, "Go to the study hall and speak with R' Zussa. He will clarify these words for you."
So they went and inquired in the study hall. "Who here is the acclaimed R' Zussa?" they asked. "We have been sent by the Maggid of Mezritch to speak with him."
"There is no such acclaimed scholar here by that name," they were told. "There is only Reb Zussa who is sitting over there in the corner by the wood stove."
They went over to him and found a simple man garbed in tattered clothing. He appeared to be utterly destitute and they could not believe that this was the person who was supposed to explain the words of the sages to them. However, because there was nobody else by this name in the study hall, they introduced themselves.
"The Maggid of Mezritch sent us to you so that you might explain to us the words of the sages, 'A person must bless over hardships in the same manner that he blesses over good fortune.' How is it possible to bless over hardships at all? What's more, how is it possible to bless over hardships in the same manner one blesses over good fortune?"
Reb Zussa replied, "I do not even know how to answer to your question. I have known only good fortune in my life. The Almighty has always provided me with whatever I lacked. How can a person like myself, who has never known hardships, explain such words? I have always blessed over good fortune. Somebody who lacks food or clothing might be able to help you, but personally I have never lacked a thing."
This is true humility, and it is accompanied by joy and bliss. A proud person, by contrast, who thinks highly of himself and seeks honor, is plagued by unhappiness and envy. He always thinks that he deserves more, and he is never satisfied with what he has.
We see, then, that besides being a correct and virtuous trait, humility is also beneficial. It frees a person of all envy and brings him happiness. This is always the case: The true and upright path is also the most pleasant and rewarding.
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)
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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)
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
