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Beit Midrash
- Shabbat and Holidays
- Shabbat
- The spiritual view
Shabat is the Jewish affirmation that we live in a universe created and sustained by Divine Will. This is the supreme religious value which Shabat represents. As we come to understand more of the physical laws that govern our universe, the Jew is strengthened in this belief in a created universe and in the presence of a Creator. Einstein famously said in regard to his search for underlying general theories that would explain the behavior of the physical universe: "God does not play with dice." Even though one is privileged to believe whatever one wishes - this is the Jewish idea of bechira chafshith - nevertheless the existence and the observance of Shabat for thousands of years stands as strong testimony and eternal belief in created world and not in randomness or pure chance. To affirm this concept of created and Creator, we are given laws and behavior patterns that sanctify and separate this day of Shabat from all other days and mundane functions. Shabat becomes a day of testimony to creation and to eternity - the twin pillars of Jewish belief. It is not accidental at all therefore that Shabat observance is the dividing line in halachic rulings between Jewish continuity and eventual assimilation and loss. Though Shabat observance per se does not guarantee Jewish family success in all instances, it is clear that Shabat non-observance opens the door wide to the free fall of assimilation, intermarriage and self-hatred that is unfortunately rampant in today’s Jewish world. The words of Achad Haam that "More than the Jews guarded the Shabat, the Shabat guarded the Jews" have never rung more true than today.
The other underpinning value of Shabat is to remind of our own uniqueness as a people with a mission and a destiny. Though Judaism taught the world about the gift of a day of rest during the week, the particularity of observance of this day of rest has remained uniquely and exclusively Jewish. This is what all the laws and rituals are all about. Hillel said that "If I am not for myself - particular and exclusive - than what am I?" That is one of the great aspects of Shabat - it is about ourselves, our past, our tradition and hopes. It awakens within us our sense of uniqueness and self-worth. We have shared the idea of a day of rest with all of humankind for "If I am only for myself, then again what am I?" But Shabat has remained only ours for it exemplifies the supreme value of the combination of Jewish particularism and universality that is so characteristic of Torah and Judaism. To retain this value, laws, ritual, behavior patterns are required in order to give actual life to otherwise lofty but theoretical values. Thus Shabat as a basic Jewish value lives on through our observances and appreciation of that holy day.
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)
Rabbis in Midrash
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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
