Author Archives: micha

Shaarei Yosher, sec. 6: Refinement – Part 2

Posted on ‍‍10 Shevat 5772 - February 2, 2012 by micha

One can use this to explain the whole notion of breaking the [first] Tablets, for which I have not found an explanation. At first glance, understanding seems closed off. Is it possible that Moses our teacher would think that because … Continue reading →

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Precondition for a Fast

Posted on ‍‍9 Shevat 5772 - February 1, 2012 by micha

דלמא: ר’ בא בר זבדא, ורבי תנחום בר עילאי, ור’ יאשיה נפקוי לתעניתא. דרש ר’ בא בר זבדא (איכה ג:מא) “נִשָּׂא לְבָבֵנוּ אֶל כַּפָּיִם, [אֶל אֵ-ל בַּשָּׁמָיִם.].” “נשא לבבנו אל כפים” — ואיפשר כן” אית בר נש דנסב ליביה ויהיב … Continue reading →

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If I am here…

Posted on ‍‍23 Teves 5772 - January 17, 2012 by micha

תניא: אמרו עליו על הלל הזקן, כשהיה שמח בשמחת בית השואבה אמר כן: “אם אני כאן, הכל כאן. ואם איני כאן. מי כאן?” A beraisa: They said about Hillel the Elder, when he was happy during Simchas Beis haShoeivah would … Continue reading →

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Shaarei Yosher, sec. 6: Refinement – Part 1

Posted on ‍‍16 Teves 5772 - January 10, 2012 by micha

AS A BEGINNING OF this preparation, so that one is ready to acquire Torah, the Torah requires specific conditions. The first condition is toil and contemplation, as our sages explain “‘If in my statues you go’ (Vayiqra 26:3) … that … Continue reading →

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Shaarei Yosher, sec. 5: Sharing – Conclusion

Posted on ‍‍11 Teves 5772 - January 5, 2012 by micha

This is also how it works with the emanation/assistance, the dew of heaven, of acquiring wisdom. Every person is worthy of grace from the One above some increase in wisdom, to take root in his soul some deep root. This … Continue reading →

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Shaarei Yosher, sec. 5: Sharing – Part 3

Posted on ‍‍4 Teves 5772 - December 29, 2011 by micha

WITH THIS it is possible to get a feeling for the idea that is told in the Talmud in an amazing story about the holy man Nachum ish Gam Zu. One time he did not fulfill the mitzvah of charity … Continue reading →

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A Physics Metaphor for Coming to Terms with Theodicy

Posted on ‍‍27 Kislev 5772 - December 22, 2011 by micha

As I’ve mentioned in the past, Aristotle believed that motion was caused by an intellect imparting impetus to an object, which then moved until the impetus ran out. Newton replaced this model of physics with his three laws, including: Law … Continue reading →

Posted in Theodicy | 2 Comments

When a Paradox is not a Disproof

Posted on ‍‍26 Kislev 5772 - December 21, 2011 by micha

The central theme of religion is whether the values, ritual, and system of thought work. The issues of genesis, the flood, or the tower of Babel are tangential, and out the outskirts of the Torah as a “theory” of meaning … Continue reading →

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Shaarei Yosher, sec. 5: Sharing – Part 2

Posted on ‍‍18 Kislev 5772 - December 13, 2011 by micha

With this idea one can understand how charity has the effect of enriching the one who performs it, as the sages say on the verse “‘aseir ta’aseir – you shall surely tithe’ – tithe, so that you shall become rich … Continue reading →

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Malki-Tzedeq and Birkhas Avos

Posted on ‍‍11 Kislev 5772 - December 7, 2011 by micha

Compare these two snippets. I added color to highlight my point. First, Bereishis 14:19-20. A massive regional war just completed, and Avraham joins the kings he fought with. Malki-Tzedeq the king of Shaleim (the future Jerusalem) and priest of the … Continue reading →

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