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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
R' Ytzchak Yoseph B"R Chaim Shlomoh
The Sages of the Mishna answered this question with a single short and sweet phrase in the tractate of "Pirkei Avot." It goes: "Acquire a teacher for yourself." The tractate of Avot is made up of profound advice in the form of short sayings. These sayings containing wisdom and examples of admirable character traits. In the sixth Mishna of the first chapter it is written: "Rabbi Yehoshua ben Perachia says: 'Obtain a teacher for yourself, acquire a friend for yourself, and judge everyone favorably.' In these few words we are given sound general advice; its follower can be certain of success. When a person has a teacher, a rabbi, he has a source of spiritual power that strengthens him and enlightens his way. He has somebody to lean on and this gives him confidence. Similarly, when a person attaches himself to a positive environment, to a good friend who shares similar ambitions, he is not alone on the battlefield. He is not alone, without aid or a supportive environment. If an individual does not adopt this wise advice, his spiritual level will indeed sink. Good intentions naturally get worn down, and one loses moral altitude.
"Obtain a teacher..." - In Hebrew, this phrase literally reads, "Make a teacher..." Even if you are unable to find a rabbi who appears to be a "messenger from the Almighty" Himself; even if he is not the most faultless individual on earth - do not remain without a rabbi. One who manages to attach himself to a great rabbi is very fortunate, yet even if one is unable to find a perfect rabbi, " Make a teacher..." - somebody who you can attach yourself to, be guided by, and lean on. The mere attachment to a rabbi provides one with strength and spiritual reinforcement. In addition, "Acquire a friend for yourself." One must strive to find a friend; even if one is unable to find somebody exactly to his liking, all the same -"Acquire a friend for yourself." Together, friends provide mutual support for one another. Two are better than one, and a three-stringed rope is not quickly severed. This was one of the innovations of Chassidism: "Obtain a Rabbi..." i.e., a Rebbe; "Acquire a friend ('Chaver')..." i.e., a Chassidic environment (Chevrah). By following this advice, the Chassidic movement managed to boast a large membership, scattered in many cities and small villages. Not only was Chassidism able to maintain a large following and to prevent its members from becoming distanced from Judaism, but it managed to spiritually elevate and strengthen them as well.
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)
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
