INSIGHT 5780 - #08: THE DEPTH OF TORAH

For  Chayei Sarah

Available on the Nishma Facebook Page
Not yet available on the Nishma website

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.

Insight 5778-08: DYNAMIC REALITY

For Chayei Sarah
 
Not yet available on the Nishma website

Insight 5777-09: CHOOSING THE ONE

For Chayei Sarah
Not yet available on the Nishma website

Insight 5775-08: Details

For Chayei Sarah
Not yet available on the Nishma website.


1) To answer the question of why the Magen Avraham simply distinguishes between food and water, I simply directed readers to Yad Ephraim, Orach Chaim 167:6, choosing, because of space limitations to not present his answer although, I would think, readers would like to know an answer to the question. What the Yad Ephraim basically states is that the obligation to feed animals first is -- derived, by the gemara, from Devarim 11:15 -- may be because God is only supplying us with food because of the needs of the animals. Our own merits, in themselves, may not be enough, ch'v'sh, to deserve the food. As such, we should feel the animals first. In regard to water, though, the providing of water is not dependent upon a perceived active involvement of God -- i.e. proper weather, etc. -- but is simply tied, in many ways, to what already exists -- wells, streams. As such, we do not have to water animals first. 
You are invited to find other explanations.


Study Question

1) An interesting question may exist in regard to Rav Moshe's answer. What if the person giving the charity states, as a condition of the charity, that the money should not go to one's animals. In the laws of tzedakah, a person giving charity can lay out certain conditions on how the recipient can use the money -- for example, a person can state that the money given cannot be used to pay off a debt. Could a person make a similar condition in regard to the tending of animals. If so, we could then simply argue that Rivka stated as a condition of her assistance that Eliezer must take water first -- and this would solve the entire question.

Insight 5774-08: Prudence

For Chayei Sara
Not yet available on the Nishma website.

Study Question

1)

Insight 5773-08: The Wisdom of the Zaken

For Chayei Sarah

Not yet available on the Nishma website.

Insight 5772-08: Bnei Ketura

For Chayei Sarah

Not yet available on the Nishma website.

Insight 5771-07: Transition

For Chayei Sarah

Not yet available on the Nishma website.