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"When Hashem will broaden your boundaries... and you will say, 'I will eat meat,' for your soul will desire to eat meat, with all your soul’s desire shall you eat meat. If the place that Hashem will choose... be distant, you shall slaughter... as I commanded you, and you shall eat... like all of your soul’s desire" (Devarim 12: 20-21).
Rashi explains that in the desert, where everyone was close to the Mishkan and could bring a korban shelamim, there was no excuse to eat the meat in another way. However, in Eretz Yisrael, where they would be spread out, making it difficult to bring a korban whenever they wanted meat, it became permitted to eat meat as chulin (mundane food). Was this permission given begrudgingly or was it a return to a normal situation, where meat can be eaten with regular, not extraordinary, restrictions?
The Kli Yakar sees the described situation as a regrettable lowering of spiritual levels to the point that people are not embarrassed to say, "I will eat meat." This happens as a result of "the place that Hashem shall choose being distant." The next pasuk says that the meat should be eaten like deer. While Rashi says that deer is a prototype non-korban animal, thus stressing the lack of regulations, the Kli Yakar highlights a different element. Deer needs to be hunted, so that one cannot eat it on a whim but is limited by the need to hunt. Whatever meat one eats, he should try to limit it to a relative minimum, says the Kli Yakar. Rashi and the Ramban seem to view the practice of eating the meat as perfectly acceptable, given that constant korbanot were becoming inapplicable.
We cannot ignore the thrice repeated reference to the soul’s desire. It is found in relation to eating meat in Bamidbar (11:4). However, there it was considered very negative, causing Moshe much frustration. How did these desires become acceptable? In Bamidbar, Hashem had arranged for the proper diet for Bnei Yisrael with miracles and clear instructions. Allowing one’s desire to cause a mini-rebellion against the Divine Will makes the desire an evil one. However, it is not the desire for meat itself that is negative, as long as it fits into the Divine design. Thus, Hashem informed Bnei Yisrael in advance that the meat would be permitted and welcomed them to channel their desires into a religiously careful preparation of the meat, making it a fully permitted, even if not direct mitzva, experience.
Hashem gives us many things that appeal to our desires. We must choose the desires that He has allowed us to partake in and do so properly.
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)
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
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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
