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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."
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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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
