Author Archives: micha

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 →

Posted in Creation | 7 Comments

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 →

Posted in Amidah | 1 Comment

Shaarei Yosher, sec. 5: Sharing – part 1

Posted on ‍‍26 Marcheshvan 5772 - November 23, 2011 by micha

Similarly it is appropriate to think about all the gifts of heaven “from the dew of the heavens and the fat of the land” (Bereishis 27:38) that they are given to the Jewish people as a whole. Their allotment to … Continue reading →

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Help Our Soldiers!

Posted on ‍‍24 Marcheshvan 5772 - November 21, 2011 by micha

This appeal has been retired, as Master Sargent Goldenberg is on his way back home. Or at least retired until we learn of a new contact. Updated after first round of purchases! I just received the following request via aishdas.org’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Shaarei Yosher, sec. 4: Connecting – Conclusion

Posted on ‍‍9 Marcheshvan 5772 - November 6, 2011 by micha

In my opinion, this idea is hinted at in Hillel’s words, as he used to say, “If I am [not] for me, who will be for me? And when I am for myself, what am I?” It is fitting for … Continue reading →

Posted in Shaarei Yosher | 4 Comments

Shaarei Yosher, sec. 4: Connecting – part 4

Posted on ‍‍7 Marcheshvan 5772 - November 4, 2011 by micha

And there are more levels in this of a person who is whole, who can connect his soul to feel that all of the world and worlds are his “I”, and he himself is only one small limb in all … Continue reading →

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Shaarei Yosher, sec. 4: Connecting – part 3

Posted on ‍‍3 Marcheshvan 5772 - October 30, 2011 by micha

… And above him is someone who can include in his “I” all of his household and family. Someone who walks according to the way of the Torah, his “I” includes the whole Jewish people, since in truth every Jewish … Continue reading →

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