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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
The root of tzedek (justness) arises no less than four times in the short portion that discusses the mitzva to appoint judges (Devarim 16:18-20). The pursuit of justice must be the guiding light of the judicial system of the Jewish nation. In this light, we will try to analyze the meaning of the pasuk, "tzedek tzedek tirdof" (pursue justice justice). Chazal advance several explanations. Reish Lakish (see Sanhedrin 32b), a first generation Amora in Eretz Yisrael, derives from here that one should employ his developed common sense and not rely only on set principles in a case of a din merumeh. This is a case where there is a serious concern that behind the smooth explanations and testimonies, a hoax is going on.
Rav Ashi, from the last generation of Babylonian Amoraim, learned the pasuk differently. The stress on justice obligates the dayan to not rule based on the strict law in a case where it will cause damage to both sides. Rather in such cases, one should employ p’shara (compromise). According to both of these explanations, the double language limits the scope of the strict principles. In other words, sometimes the standard rules of justice should be avoided. Both also understand the pasuk as referring to the judge.
Rabbanan, on the other hand, explain that it is the litigants who are being addressed. They should do everything possible to ensure that the judgment that they receive will be of a high quality. If the most expert dayanim are far away, they should still consider going to the place where the expert judges sit. This is particularly pertinent for the defendant, who is the one who normally determines where the case will be heard. Ibn Ezra also directs the imperative at the litigants. Justice is doubled to signify that one should go after justice whether it is to win or to lose, to go as often as is necessary, or just to strengthen the matter. The Ramban says that the language is doubled specifically so that it can refer both to the dayanim and to the litigants.
During times, which always seem to abound, when maintaining our hold on the Land and our security is a challenge, we should remember the following: "‘In order that you shall live and inherit the Land’- the appointment of judges is worthwhile to give life to Israel, to have them inhabit the Land, and to have them not fall to the sword, as it says, ‘so that you should live’" (Yalkut Shimoni, Shoftim 907).
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
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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.
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
