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Dvorah bat Miriam
After cleaning oneself of theft and sexual immorality, both of which we have already discussed, there is another task which demands quite a bit of effort if one desires to free himself of it completely - the distancing of oneself from forbidden foods. For, on the one hand, man is tempted by his heart to partake in forbidden foods because of their deliciousness. In fact, the Sages say, "Let not an individual say 'I refuse to eat pork because it is not tasty.' Rather, 'Even though it is possible for me to eat it, I refuse to, for the Torah has forbidden it to me.'" On the other hand, there may be financial considerations which cause a person to transgress the prohibition against forbidden foods, for example, their being less expensive. In addition, sometimes the inconvenience involved in koshering pots and pans which have become Traif , or unkosher, causes one to transgress.
It is important to note that the transgression against forbidden food consumption is of a more severe nature than other transgressions. Because these foods actually enter one's body and are absorbed therein, not only does the consumer of such foods sin, but he impairs his body and soul, which in turn effects his personality. The Rabbis teach, regarding, the passage, "'Do not debase yourselves with them, becoming unclean with them,' If you debase yourselves with them, in the end your souls will become contaminated." For the forbidden foods infuse impurity into the body and soul of man until finally God's holiness abandons him. This is in keeping with the Jewish concept that "sin causes man's heart to become stupid," for true understanding abandons him, as does the spirit of knowledge with which God endows his faithful ones, "for, God grants wisdom."
Pathways in Personality Development (52)
Rabbi Zalman Baruch Melamed
14 - 14. Caution Regarding Sexual Immorality
15 - 15. Forbidden Foods
16 - 16. Deceit and Humiliation
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When a person encounters a situation which involves even a slight danger to his health he distances himself from it and won't even consider taking chances. And this, despite the fact that the danger involved is only possible and not one hundred percent certain. So too, one must refrain from partaking in forbidden foods for this is actual poison to the body and the soul.
One would be correct in claiming that keeping Kosher is one of the most widespread religious observances in Israel today. Perhaps the Jew's healthy inner sense discerns how proper and befitting it is to observe these laws. It is important to emphasize that the prohibition against forbidden foods is not due to the fact that they seen as dangerous by medical science. Rather, they are dangerous because they are forbidden by the Torah. They are dangerous despite the fact that the medical establishment is unaware of their danger, for their danger does not exist in the revealed physical realm but in the spiritual realm. The spiritual, though, no doubt affects the physical.
This is one of the Torah commandments which, when not observed, creates a rift in the Jewish people, for it prevents Jews from eating with one another. Yet when it is observed, it unites us and distinguishes us as a unique people - God's people. "It is a people who shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations."
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)
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.
