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Harav Chaim Y. Goldvicht (Asufot Ma’archot, Bereishit 6) connects this idea with the opinions of Beit Shammai and Beit Hillel regarding the beracha on light, which we recite after Shabbat. Beit Shammai’s text refers to a single light, whereas Beit Hillel’s mentions "meorei ha’eish" (the lights of the fire). The Gra (Shenot Eliyahu, Berachot, ch. 8) says that all agree about the facts. Light was created as one light, but as it is produced by man when burning fuel, it comes in different shades. The question is what type of fire we refer to when making the beracha. We accept the opinion of Beit Hillel that we bless Hashem not only for the original light but for that which we use and create on a regular basis.
Following the connection between the light and the Torah, we can see that the idea of different shades exists also in regard to berachot on the Torah. Torah Shebichtav (the Written Law) is a set text, which Hashem presented to us as is. In order to apply it to our lives, it is necessary to employ Torah Sheb’al Peh to elucidate and expand the Torah to its endless concepts and applications. We recite a blessing daily on the great gift of Torah. The gemara (Berachot 11b) brings different opinions as to what type of Torah study must be preceded by the beracha. The minimalist position is that it is only for Torah Shebichtav. However, we accept the opinion that the beracha applies to all the different forms of extrapolation from the Torah and discussions thereof.
Indeed we find in regard to some of the most important berachot that we thank Hashem not just for that which he gave us directly. Rather, we thank Him for the kernel of goodness that He gave us and enabled us to grow it into a fruit and further refine it to make it useable for us. This is the case, literally, regarding the most important berachot on food. Before and after eating bread, we thank Hashem for giving the bread. In fact, we planted the kernel, which Hashem guided to turn into many kernels of grains, and then we made the bread ourselves. The idea is that we recognize Hashem as the partner in everything we do. This follows the philosophy of Beit Hillel regarding light: that which we make with Hashem’s help, with all of its variations, is beracha¬-worthy. This is very much true regarding the special light, which Hashem hid in Torah Sheb’al Peh and commanded and enabled us to uncover.
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)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
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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)
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)
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
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.
