For Vayeshev
Not yet available on the Nishma website
Friday, November 30, 2018
Friday, November 23, 2018
Friday, November 9, 2018
INSIGHT 5779 - #08: DISTINCTION
For Toldot
Not yet available on the Nishma website
As I mentioned in the Insight that the tension between Yaakov and Esav may reflect upon the very conflict of good versus evil, this was not intended in imply that the dialectic between unconditional love and merit also reflects this conflict. The reality of the dialectic is that it illustrates the complexity of the ethical choice for the reality is that most issues revolve around two values of import demanding proper balanced application as necessary. Unconditional love and merit both have their place; the challenge is to make the proper decision in this regard. Evil occurs when such a decision is not reached; even more so, when such a decision is not attempted with any diligence. Evil is the result of a desired simplicity and this is what Esav was attempting in not responding in any way to the depth of the dialectic. Yitzchak, Rivka and Yaakov, however, understood the depth of the dilemma and so each one searched for a possible solution that would best meet the need of the full dialectic, if possible. That is, in fact, the nature of the good to which we all are to strive.
Not yet available on the Nishma website
As I mentioned in the Insight that the tension between Yaakov and Esav may reflect upon the very conflict of good versus evil, this was not intended in imply that the dialectic between unconditional love and merit also reflects this conflict. The reality of the dialectic is that it illustrates the complexity of the ethical choice for the reality is that most issues revolve around two values of import demanding proper balanced application as necessary. Unconditional love and merit both have their place; the challenge is to make the proper decision in this regard. Evil occurs when such a decision is not reached; even more so, when such a decision is not attempted with any diligence. Evil is the result of a desired simplicity and this is what Esav was attempting in not responding in any way to the depth of the dialectic. Yitzchak, Rivka and Yaakov, however, understood the depth of the dilemma and so each one searched for a possible solution that would best meet the need of the full dialectic, if possible. That is, in fact, the nature of the good to which we all are to strive.
Friday, November 2, 2018
Insight 5779-07: TRANSFERING THE MANTLE OF LEADERSHIP
For Chayei Sarah
Not yet available on the Nishma website
It should be mentioned that the first time we encounter Yitzchak Avinu subsequent to the Akeida is when he sees his wife-to-be, Rivkah returning with Eliezer. (Bereishit 24:62-67) It is interesting to note that there is no mention of Eliezer reporting on the news of his mission to Avraham. It is stated that he simply reported to Yitzchak. It was at this point that this whole matter became solely Yitzchak's concern and, as Rivka took the place of Sarah, clearly also had communal significance.
Not yet available on the Nishma website
It should be mentioned that the first time we encounter Yitzchak Avinu subsequent to the Akeida is when he sees his wife-to-be, Rivkah returning with Eliezer. (Bereishit 24:62-67) It is interesting to note that there is no mention of Eliezer reporting on the news of his mission to Avraham. It is stated that he simply reported to Yitzchak. It was at this point that this whole matter became solely Yitzchak's concern and, as Rivka took the place of Sarah, clearly also had communal significance.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)