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In Judaism, human mortality is tempered by the belief in the eternal immortality of our souls. Though there is no specific superficial mention of this concept in the Torah’s text itself, the rabbis of the Talmud have brought numerous proofs and support to the idea from a careful examination of words and juxtaposition of words in that text. The Talmud saw our existence in this world as naturally being a temporary one but that eternity and Heavenly judgment await us after our physical demise. The phrase that is used to describe this transition from earthly living to the eternal realm of the soul is "that one strips away one form of existence and assumes another form of existence." Though there are numerous metaphors that exist in Talmudic and rabbinic literature as to how this other form of existence looks, no definite and unanimous description of this eternal world is given to us except that it is purely spiritual and related to the soul’s connection with the Creator. Nevertheless, the very idea and belief in the immortality of the soul is one of the great ideas and comforts of Judaism and Jewish life. Death is not a black hole that consumes all. Rather life is our opportunity to gain immortality and eternity. This infuses life and living with a greater purpose than merely physical gain and pleasure. It gives our behavior here in this world cosmic importance and eternal value. Thus life and living become doubly important for the consequences of our behavior reach beyond time and space and this earth and its vicissitudes.
We all pray and hope for long life and healthy years. Length of life is a relative value. King Solomon in Kohelet refers to "days that are no longer desirable." He also mentions there that length of life is not necessarily an absolute value. "Even if a human lives a thousand years" there is little gain for that type of longevity. It should be noted that Solomon himself, according to Jewish tradition, only lived for 52 years. The quest for immortality lies deep within all of us. We all have a desire not to be forgotten by later generations and descendants. Much of the pursuit of fame and honor in this world is in essence a pursuit of immortality and the remembrance of later generations. Monuments and gravesites are part of this desire to be eternally remembered even when we are no longer here. But again the Torah warns us "not to turn to the dead." The Torah is firmly planted in life, in the here and now, in its never ending challenges and problems, achievements and struggles. It allows us no room for morbidity and depression. God is to be served in this world in happiness and purpose. The reality of the human condition is well known and omnipresent to us. But it is not to be permanently dwelled upon for otherwise life can never progress and inspire. We should always remember to "choose life."
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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
