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Beit Midrash
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- Berachot - Blessings
Judaism is a matter of proper values and balance in life. Therefore any overt and extreme reliance on blessings of humans, no matter how great and holy the blessng personage may be, is contrary to the balanced view of life that Torah preaches. A man once approached the veneravble and sainted Chafetz Chaim, Rabbi Yusreal Meir Kagan, and asked him for a blessing that a certain venture upon which he was embarking succeed. The Chafetz Chaim said to him: "I don't understand your logic in this matter of asking me for a blessing. It is analagous to one pauper asking another poverty stricken person for a generous donation. Why don't you ask the one most wealthy of all (the Lord) directly for His donation and blessing?" Judaism always feared the introduction of intermediaries between God and humans. One may certainly ask for a blessing from a holy person (or any other person for that matter) but that is a matter of good will and not one of certainty. Though in the words of the Talmud the righteous can command and Heaven fulfills that command, nevertheless it is only God's blessings that so to speak are reliable without doubt or exception. Judaism demands that one come to terms, so to speak, with Godc and not to substitute humans for the neceesary relationship with God. Rambam posits that this was the basic beginning fundamental error of paganism and idolatry. The original star worshippers knew there was a God but thought that the way to worship that God was by worshipping what He had created. Judaism affords no room for any types of intermediaries.
Blessings administered by humans create a more serene atmosphere in human society. Harsh words and bitter statements poison our society. The rabbis of the Mishna and the Talmud admonished all to greet others, Jews ande non-Jews alike, with pleasant countenace and words of blessing. The universal and ubiquitous Jewish greeting of "shalom aleichem" - peace be unto you - is one of our most ancient forms of blessing. Thus giving or receiving words of blessing from one human being to anoither is itself a blessing to those involved and to society generally. It matters little if the actual words of blessing are truly fulfilled and enacted in one' s life. It matters greatly that such words of blessing are uttered with true intent and conviction. We have an idiom that is common in the English language that reflects this truism. When we meet someone we inquire of that person "What is the good word?" The "good word" is always one of blessing, assurance and hope. So it is obvious that blessings and words of blessing are truly important in our personal and general lives. That is why the Jewish New Year is always ushered in with sincere words of blessing between one another. And so may it continue to be
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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.
