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Beit Midrash
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- Parashat Hashavua
The difference between the two appears clear. One is the ultimate G-d-fearer, who believes and depends on Him. The other relies on human power and ignores Hashem. Certainly, meeting the two on the street, we would know who is who. Yet, a few p’sukim later, the navi stresses that Hashem is able to discern between the different people by investigating the heart and kidneys (ibid.:9-10). For commentators like the the Pesikta, who understand that the cursed person is an idolater or the like, what is special about Hashem that He can uncover his shortcomings? The Tanchuma claims that the blessed clings to the craft of his forefathers and prays to Hashem, whereas the cursed does not. Whether or not one prays honestly to Hashem is already something that only Hashem knows. However, it is unclear where this approach is hinted to in the p’sukim.
Let us move on to the Yerushalmi’s (Pe’ah 8:8) explanation. "Whoever needs tzedaka and does not accept it will not die of old-age before he will support others." The Yerushalmi cites our pasuk as support for this idea.
Many mitzvot depend on the intention in one’s heart. In these cases the Torah often concludes, "I am Hashem," meaning that He is the One who knows a person’s intention. People do not know how much money a person gives or receives. Ma’aser kesafim formulas are not a give-away as to how much one should give, as how much to subtract for necessary household expenses depends on the elusive estimation that only the family can determine. Whether or not one needs to receive charity depends on the standard of living a family needs, which again is a secret, private matter.
We can say that the two men Yirmiya contrasts are externally identical. Each is Torah-observant. They may attend the same shiurim. They differ in the intention of the heart. One tries to attain things naturally, but with proper "hishtadlus." He realizes there is "a Leader to the palace" and will not bypass halachic barriers. The second one compromises principles upon encountering difficulty. He relies on the strength of a man’s forearm, including his own. He thinks that his power will secure for him his desires. He forgets Who rules the world and centers his existence around his wishes.
These matters are indeed matters of the heart, hidden deep in a person’s psyche, from where it is very hard to access them. Therefore, the prophet stresses the heart three times in the pasuk. Let us pray that we will soon have fulfilled in us the pasuk, "A pure heart create within me, Hashem, and a correct spirit renew within me."
Rabbis in Midrash
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D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
