by Joel Rich
From R’ Gil:
Medieval Ashkenazic authorities prescribed a variety of strong acts of self-induced suffering as part of the teshuvah process, including long-term fasting, lashes, exile and more. Rabbeinu Peretz (Gloss to Semak, no. 53) lists four kinds of teshuvah:
1) teshuvas charatah, in which you regret the sin;
2) teshuvas ha-geder, in which you set additional boundaries for yourself to avoid sinning in the future;
3) teshuvas ha-kasuv, in which you undergo the punishment listed in the Torah for your sin;
4) teshuvas ha-mishkal, in which you inflict yourself with pain corresponding to the amount of pleasure you enjoyed with your sin.
Of these four, the first is what we consider standard teshuvah and the second is going above and beyond. The third and fourth are not — and should not be — practiced today. The Vilna Gaon’s brother (Ma’alos Ha-Torah, introduction) makes clear that we cannot undergo these harsh forms of teshuvah in our time (his time, even more so in our time) and emerge physically and religiously healthy. Instead, he recommends intense Torah study.
Me- what is the nature of the paradigm change claimed by the Ma’alos Ha-Torah?
Kennedy in an August 1963 report on the nation’s physical fitness : “Happiness, as defined by the Greeks, is ‘the exercise of vital powers along lines of excellence in a life affording them scope.'”
Me- How does this compare to how “Jewish Philosophy” would define happiness?
- Rabbi Shay Schachter-Taking Credit and Being Involved in Giving Tzedakah
(1) RHS’s (halachic heart?) position that giving up all your assets rather than violate a negative prohibition is only for one time situations (or else why not have to constantly give up all your money not to violate lo taamod [by funding hospitals]?) {me- see divrei yatziv c”m 79:30}
(2) Why even though most early sources say anonymous giving is best (and not doing so is likely to have bad results), the Rama says it’s appropriate to have the name on the door! [Me – Kach Mkublani Mbeit Avi Abba – we don’t buy this approach] (3) If you Imitato Dei, HKB”H will take care of you (and remember to be compassionate) - Rabbi Mayer E. Twersky-Western Society and Torah Values
Nothing new but extremely (IMHO) on target message concerning hard work, avodat hashem, time management and moral relativism. ( I’d simply add individual autonomy vs. communal responsibilities as another differentiator)
- Rabbi YY Jacobson-Why did the Rabbis Ban the Books of Rambam?
Extended bio of the Rambam focusing on his holistic approach to life (me – one which I aspire to). His rabbinic opponents went to the Dominicans for help. (HT – Pete Seeger – “when will they ever learn, when will they ever learn”)
- Rabbi Moshe Walter-Halacha From The Parsha Phone Shiur: Parshas Re’ah – The Growing Genizah Issue : How to handle Shaimos
Sheimot issues including: Computer screens, windshields, chalkboards, pasul sifrei torah and the status of newspapers. (Me – a chumra that leads to a kula [when you hear of sheimot being dumped in an open field])
- Rabbi Joel Padowitz-Introduction to Eruvin
Nice introduction to mesechet eruvin focusing on the different types of rshuyot (areas) and fixes. A little bit about eruv tchumin.
- Rabbi Evan Hoffman-Colonial Jewish Communities
Part of a series. Here the focus is on those Jewish enclaves outside of New Amsterdam especially their history (why Jews settled where they did), community institutions and standards (unlike Europe in these communities there was little enforcement power)
- Rabbi Ari Kahn-צדקה כמצות התלויות בארץ
Are there separate mitzvot for tzedaka for the individual and the community? Is it part of the mitzvah of yishuv eretz yisrael?
- Rabbi Larry Rothwachs-What a Wonderful World: The Six Most Important Takeaways from the COVID Crisis (Part 5)
Important corona lesson – notice what’s around us and appreciate it. Make the best of your circumstances and always be learning from every situation.
- Rabbi Larry Rothwachs-Less is More, More or Less: The Six Most Important Takeaways from the COVID Crisis (Part 6)
Perhaps too much choice and seeking perfection are not good for us. Remember who ultimately guides our choices and focus on what’s important.
- Dr. Shimon Lerner-Mishlei
Who was Mishlei written for and how does it compare to Kohelet or Iyov? Key question – can human intellect (me – created by HKB”H) be a source of ultimate truth?
- Rabbi Netanel Wiederblank-The text of havdala and Bracha hasmucha l’chaverta
Part of a series. Here a discussion of the proper brachot for havdalah and the concept of bracha hasmucha l’chevreta.
- Rabbi Zvi Sobolofsky- מאי חזית דדמא דידך סומק טפי
Mai chazit (who says one person’s blood is redder than another’s) as seen by Tosfot and the Rambam. Is it an existential truth or just a not fully applicable explanation of a pre-existing din?
- Rabbi Shay Schachter-Remaining Faithful & Positive When We Have Questions on God – Emunah Series Part 5
Theodicy was an issue even for Moshe Rabbeinu. Bottom line – just follow the torah and remember HKB”H can always have mercy. [Me – R’Schachter delivers a much more comforting version than my summary]
- Nechama Price-Yosef: The Favorite Son – Part 3
A number of creative options concerning looking at the Joseph-father-mother-brothers-Pharaoh-Egyptian people relationships. Perhaps a combination of primary and separate secondary leaders model is best.
- Rav Asher Weiss-איסור אכילת תולעים ויצורים זעירים
How far do you have to go to tell whether a black dot is a bug?
Nice mussar on how important it is for a talmid chacham to take on community responsibilities. - Rabbi Mayer E. Twersky-Rambam’s Ikkarei HaEmunah #4
Ikkar #6 for the Rambam is prophecy for which he has a very specific definition (requiring much preparation by the individual). Perhaps there are exceptions to the rule? If you look at sefer hamada you see prophecy as the fulfilment of human potential.
- Rabbi Zvi Sobolofsky-Shaylos During Traveling
Travel related issues including: tfilat hadereh, birchat hagomeil, zmanei tfilla, tchum, eruv (or lack thereof) and tvila (keilim and human)
- Rabbi Avishai David-Birchas Kohanim and Baal Tosef
Understanding cases (birchat cohanim, lulav, tzitzit, tfillin) where baal tosif may, or may not, apply.
- Rabbi Ari Kahn-The Chosen (Place)
Parshat Reeh is about the centrality of Eretz Yisrael, Jerusalem and the Mikdash.
- 8/15/20 – Show 285 – Vacation Halachos
Rabbi Sholom Fishbane, Rabbi Gideon Weitzman-What can you buy without a hechsher? Swimming with family; yichud; and much moreVacation travel topics including: Chalav yisrael, pat yisrael, products for use without hashgacha, family swim and flight seating.
- Rabbi YY Jacobson-Rambam Hilchot Deot: Perek 4
The Rambam lists ten elements of life through which a talmid chacham can become a walking kiddush hashem.
- Rabbi YY Jacobson-Rmbam Hilchot Deot: Perek 5
Simple translation of the Rambam’s health advice.
- Rabbi YY Jacobson-Rmbam Hilchot Deot: Perek 6
How to: deal with the social environment; love every Jew; deal with hate and have sensitivity to those who are less well off.
- Rabbi Daniel Stein-Creating an Eruv in a Reshus Harabim
City eruvin – tzurat hapetach et al.
- Rabbi Daniel Belsky-Rambam Hilchot Talmud Torah: Perek 1 Halacha 1-3
The mitzvah is to learn and to teach the torah as the ratzon hashem.
- Rabbi Shaya Katz-Mishlei and Modern Psychology 9:7-12 How to Accept Criticism
Scoffers resent mussar and you need to be careful not to project your own character faults on others. Don’t always focus on others’ faults! - Rabbi Netanel Wiederblank-Chaviva Mitzva B’shata and Kos shel bracha
Part of a series: Here discussion of balancing conflicting priorities (e.g. chaviva mitzvah vs. zrizin). Then on to birchat hamazon on a kos and the rules of kos pagum.
- Rabbi Moshe Walter-Halacha From The Parsha Phone Shiur: Parshas Shoftim – The Mitzvah Of Leviyas Oreach- Escorting Your Guests
Six reasons why we don’t seem to pay attention to the mitzvah to be mlaveh (accompany) a guest. We should still try to do guest related acts of chesed.
- Rabbi David Yosef-איסור אכילה קודם הבדלה במוצאי שבת
What can/can’t you eat/drink after shkia/tzeit (both TBD) without making havdalah?
- Rabbi Yitzchak Breitowitz-What is Jewish Infatuation?
The Gra on the challenges (external and internal) represented by Eisav and Yishmael.
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