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If a master hits his slave so that he loses a tooth or an eye, the slave goes free (Shemot 21: 26-27). This sanction against an owner is extended further, as our Rabbis taught. Not only does the slave go free for those two body parts but actually for the loss of any of 24 limbs (Rashi, based on Kiddushin 24-25). The common denominator of these limbs is that they are not renewable and are visible (ibid.). On the other hand, if the slave was injured by the owner’s animal, the normal compensation the owner is obligated to a victim does not exist (Bava Kama 49). The Chizkuni explains the latter halacha as being a result of the rule that whatever money a slave acquires goes to his master. What is the
logic though of the distinctions of the first halacha?
The Ibn Ezra says that the idea is that a master should know not to be cruel to the extent that he hits his slave hard enough to cause serious damage. This applies only to the master’s actions, not to those of his animal.
Let us explain these halachot a little differently. It is common for a person to mark his property to make it more difficult to steal. This certainly is useful in regard to a slave, who might consider running away. The marking of a slave with a sign of his owner was also a way of permanently identifying him as a member of that class. In order to prevent the removal of the sign, one of the systems that was used was the amputation of a part of the body so that it would be permanently evident that the person in question is really a slave. This was a cruel act not only because of the pain involved but also because of mutilation’s affront to human dignity. The Torah not only forbade it but instituted an appropriate outcome. If one removes a body part in order to ensure that the slave would remain his, he specifically loses the slave in the process. This has little to do with payment for damages, which is prevalent regarding normal social interactions. Rather it is a specific consequence of harming a human being’s dignity.
How is this forbidden form of mutilation different from the performance, l’havdil, of a brit milah? This too is placing a sign on the body that one is a slave, but in this case, a slave to Hashem. This does not turn him into a blemished person but into a more complete person. It is put in a covered area of the body in a manner that demonstrates that the person is free, as one who accepts upon himself the fear of Hashem is truly liberated. It symbolizes how one must strive to be free of the bonds of physical urges that control many a person.
Let us hope that just as so many Jew’s fulfill the mitzva of circumcision so will they internalize the spiritual message that it teaches.
Repentance Why Ba'alei T'shuva Davka Shouldn't Become Anti-Zionists!
Rav Kook's Letter on Teshuva to Rav Charlap
Rabbis in Midrash
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.