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We grapple with the question of whether Yaakov was justified in taking drastic steps to obtain such prominence. The midrash says that he was "forced, bent over, and crying" (Sechel Tov, Bereishit 27). Yitzchak certainly did not seem to portray Yaakov’s actions favorably, saying: "Your brother came b’mirmah (with deceipt) and took your blessing" (Bereishit 27:35). Chazal and most commentaries tried to explain Yitzchak’s apparently harsh words in a more positive light. After all the answers and explanations, the problem persisted within the nation: how do we reconcile the importance of maintaining truthfulness with our patriarch’s behavior?
The following moving p’sukim end off our haftara. "My covenant was with him, the life and the peace. I gave these to him that he should fear me, and He feared Me, and before My Name he lowered himself. A Torah of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips. In peace and a straight path he went with Me, and he brought back many from sin. For the lips of a kohen guard wisdom, and they shall ask Torah from his lips, for he is an angel of Hashem" (Malachi 2:5-7). What is the Torah of truth (torat emet), which is at the heart of this special person? Recall also that this phrase is at the heart of the beracha on the Torah after an aliyah. Ibn Ezra says that it means that one does not take bribes. Radak says that one does not say one thing and mean another. Two midrashim relate it to things one hears from his teacher. The Yerushalmi (Pe’ah 1:1) says that even those need to be true, whereas Bereishit Rabba (1) says that what one hears from his teacher is torat emet. What is the basis of their disagreement?
According to Bereishit Rabba, that which one learns form his teacher is the most reliable. The Yerushalmi posits that even those things need to pass through a "strainer of truth." If one is not sure about it, he shouldn’t teach it to his own students. In fact, halachic midrash learns the following from the pasuk: "He did not make the pure impure or make the impure pure" (Sifra, Shemini 1). In other words, a Torah of truth is such that one is as careful not to forbid the permitted as not to permit the forbidden. The requirements of torat emet apply even to one who has positive intentions in being stringent. Instituting stringencies requires satisfaction of the following conditions: 1) one says openly that it is done to distance one from possible sin; 2) it is not a double stringency; 3) it is a formal rabbinic institution and not merely a minhag. Anything but this is not torat emet.
Let us remember this when we rule for the public or even for our students, even if we have good intentions for ruling otherwise.
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)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 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
