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Over all of my years of writing, I have found that I am most able to write satisfactorily (at least in my opinion) the closer I am time wise to Shabat. The distractions and problems of the week have not yet arrived, though they are always not long in yet coming, and I approach my writing obligations refreshed and much calmer than I would if I wrote on Wednesday or Thursday for example. Shabat is a shower for my brain, a cleansing of my inner being, an opportunity for spiritual growth (physical as well, as the Shabat meals in our home can attest to) and at least some minimal contemplation on important personal issues. Writing regularly is a cruel taskmaster. Without the aid of my Shabat experience and its influence it would undoubtedly be an even more formidable task. I realize that Shabat does not improve my prose or perfect my grammar, but it does help me think about what to write and what my true opinions on matters that concern me and perhaps others as well truly are. I think that this is another possible interpretation for what the rabbis called the neshama yeteira - the additional soul - that inhabits our being on Shabat. The additional soul is really our true internal self yearning to be expressed in our thoughts and behavior which oftentimes is stifled within us by the demands of the weekday everyday living rote and schedule.
We are not all necessarily writers, though a great writer once wrote that there is a great book residing within each of us awaiting exposure and redemption. But we can each attempt to carry the benevolent and holy influence of the Shabat with us during the days of the work week. There were Jews who named their children Shabat or Shabtai in order to remind them of the Shabat all of the days of their lives. One of the greatest compliments that could be paid to a Jew in previous generations was to be called by others a "Shabat Jew." It not only meant that the person was a Shabat observer, something which the overwhelming majority of Jews then were, but that the person carried the Shabat over with him or her always, even in the midst of the pressures of the workday week. Being a "Shabat Jew" had less to do with personal scholarship and public leadership roles and much more to do with inner serenity, satisfaction with one’s lot in life, a spirit of optimism and faith that transcended all of the pettiness, anger and frustrations of everyday living. Driving an automobile "under the influence" is dangerous and criminal. Living one’s life under the influence of the holy Shabat truly gives one a taste of eternity and immortality.
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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.
