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Beit Midrash
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- Financial Laws and Tzedaka
- Tzedaka - Charity
Though I have no empirical proof to back up this statement, I am convinced that the ability to be regularly charitable is connected with observance of Jewish ritual and other Torah commandments. My anecdotal experiences buttress this contention of mine. People who need help invariably turn to neighborhoods of religious Jews to find it. The religious Jewish world has constructed a firm and elaborate system of help to those in need. This system includes hundreds of free-loan societies, medical referral help, social and educational welfare programs, wedding sponsorship for indigent families and a host of other services and charitable outreach. Though governmental help can often be found to help these situations as well, the vast majority of all of this charitable help is privately funded and by the general Jewish religious community and not by the wealthy alone. I have seen poor beggars share their meager collections with others whom they somehow deem to be less fortunate than even they are. The Talmud even justifies giving charity to the charlatans and cheats who exploit our generosity by stating: "If it were not for the presence of those whom we suspect to be charlatans we would possess no excuse whatsoever for not truly fulfilling our obligation of giving charity!" The Torah always demands of us that we err on the side of goodness and compassion. We should never regret or feel badly about having given charity or help to others.
In our over-organized society many people never give charity to individuals directly. Charity is given to large organizations that are then charged with its distribution. These organizations are valuable and necessary and most of them are clever and honest and efficient in doing their charitable work. Yet this type of charitable giving is faceless, unemotional and to a great extent impersonal. This type of giving also restricts the number of times a person gives. Maimonides points out that it is better to give five shekel to ten different poor people than to give fifty shekel to one lone person. The amount of charity given remains the same. But in giving ten times, one trains one’s hand to give, so that the muscles of charitable giving will not atrophy over time. The Torah also wished us to have personal contact with the poor and the needy. Halacha not only dictates that we should give charity but also the attitude that we exhibit when so doing. A good word and a smile is also part of the charitable act. People who give charity as a part of a daily routine of their lives find it easier to overcome any feelings of resentment or being exploited and put upon. Thus charitable giving, in order to benefit the giver as much as it does the taker, must be a regular and ongoing feature of one’s life and deeds.
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)
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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
