9:58 PM
Gil Student
by Joel Rich
A must listen (imho) in which Rabbi Rosensweig discusses (among other things) seemingly conflicting Talmudic statements (e.g. Brachot 4b – Nach all from Sinai vs. Nedarim 22b – Most of Nach might not have been given except for the golden calf) about the halachik force of Nach. Opinions on halachik force (there are many) of Nach included. Whatever position you take there, Nach is certainly a source of Mussar/Jewish lifestyle lessons.
Jonah as a mussar sefer – you can run but you can’t hide. Part reminds me of the Rav (with a patach = Kook in my sister’s family) as quoted by the Rav (with a kamatz = Soloveitchik in my family) concerning the Yom Kippur liturgy - ad shelo notzarti implying each of us was born at a specific time for a specific mission (now if they only sold a decoder ring!).
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Analysis of the two sources in the torah. It includes detailed discussion of the Rambam’s understanding of the prohibition related to making rabbinic prohibitions seem biblical.
Episode #2973 in R’HS’s kol hatorah kulah series. Discussion of Melech v’lo Malka (R’YBS vs. R’MF), Sanhedrin of a Shevet (I’d still like some clarity on the chain of authority), Matnot Khunah and the requirement of not being superstitious or as my Zayde Z”L used to say “You can be religious or superstitious, not both”.
We are Rachmanim, Bayshanim, Gomlei Chassadim. Work on relationships with spouses and remember that bayshanim implies modesty; certain things about relationships not discussed in public are what distinguishes us.
A discussion of Kli Gever including pants, coloring of hair and issues of intent of wearer. Important reference – Tur Y”D 182 and prisha – standards based on non-Jewish community or maybe not!? Any input on this specific issue appreciated.
The Torah recognizes the need for relaxation and one can relax lishma (Hmmm- My grandmother z"l used to always say "there will be plenty of time to rest in the grave" - that's probably where I got my sunny, care free disposition.), yet;
- our society thinks we need too much relaxation
- the sounds we hear and images we see impact us therefore
- no TV
- internet is more nuanced
- innocent relaxation (e.g. schmoozing, vacation) can turn deadly if you are not careful
Life requires a dynamic balance at different times but always remember you can’t say Kshe'efneh eshneh (when I have time, I’ll learn) – (me – requirement is be a learner and an earner who edited the R’YBS machzor?). Discussion of the real meaning of bitachon and hishtadiut.
Lo tasur – Ramban vs. Ramban and source of rabbinic authority if this isn’t it.
The always entertaining R’ Rakefett shares his take on feminism. Interesting points – it’s not a problem in the 5 towns. Discussion includes Sotah and women’s learning.
Interesting (to me) technical discussion concerning whether when the Rabannan added “conditions” to mitzvot when (if at all or always) do those conditions keep you from a kiyum on a doraita basis (and by what authority?) IMHO the question is very powerful and gets to the root of rabbinic judaism (and rabbinic authority).
Part of Shomrei Emunah’s “Rosh Yeshiva Road Trip” (I hope they gave out cool T-shirts). An analysis of the positions of the Chayei Adam and Steipler concerning what to do if you’re not sure where you lost track in the middle of Shmonah Esrai. Focuses of the issue of Bracha Lvatala and are there 2 elements in Shmoneh Esrai which may help understand the difference of opinion (Emunah/Avoah (belief) and Bakesh Tzrachav (requests)). In any event always be thankful.
Discussion of Malchiyot, Zichronot and Shofrot as representing the Albo’s 3 principles of faith. Also discussion of why the ordering of the verses we recite are Torah, Ketuvim and Navi.
Focus on 3 barren mothers and how they are all examples of self sacrifice (and obvious message to us this time of year).
Reflections on Tfilah/tshuva (prayer/repentance). We should take neither for granted and the fact that we are granted this ability (me – which R’YBS thought a chiddush) means if we don’t use in we’re even worse off. Similarly insincere usage (no kiyum shebelev) is bad news on the doorstep.
Beginning of series discussing sources and concepts.
All tefilot have bakashot (requests), just of different nature. The blowing of shofar with the tefilot raises them to a higher level. Some bonus side points including: 1) how do we rank zrizin versus brov am, 2) in Breuer’s the Kohanim washed in the shul, 3) it’s a Yerushalmi which gives reason for why there’s no osek bmitzvah patur bmitzvah by learning – because it would be Llmod al minat shelo laasot.
Our job is to expand the kingdom of God in this world through our everyday lives. Beautiful explanation of why Yaakov said Kriat Shma upon seeing Yosef – he showed how to do so on foreign soil (Baruch Shem Kvod).
