Why Did Hashem Let the Massacre Happen?
– Hamas’s savagery exceeds many of the accounts of holocaust one reads. – We can’t expect to understand all that HKB”H does, and just as it woud be cruel for parents to limit their parenting to that which their toddler
Rambam, Hilchos Teshuva, Yiras ha’Onesh
Yiras ha’onesh is not something we are supposed to ever outgrow. Yahadus is not a religion OF fear, but is one WITH fear.
How Should We React to an Eis Tzara?
– the modality of tefillah in eis tzara is different, i.e. ze’a’ka – “darkei ha’teshuva” = pathway that leads to teshuva. Crying out leads us to realizing that bad has happened due to our aveiros, which leads to teshuva. –
Accountability
– First Ramban on Chumash: starting from Breishis teaches us how HKB”H’s hashgacha works, i.e. there are consequences to our actions. – The notion of accountability, yiras ha’onesh, is not something that is spoken about in this generation, and the
Yohrzeit Shiur for Rav Yitzchok Asher Twersky
Approach to Miztzvos Aseh, Lo Sa’aseh. Lifnim Mishuras Hadin.
– Why reward for miztvos aseh isn’t specified. – Severity of being dismissive of mitzvos. – Nature of the obligation to go lifnim mishuras hadin.
Issur Melacha & Teshuva. Sukkos Mamash.
– “Ach be’asor”: how fasting and issue melacha each contribute to teshuva – “ki baSukkos Hoshavti es Bnei Yisroel”: the message if one assumes it means physical sukkos (two opinions – Ramban and Rambam.)
Degrees of Teshuva
– “Ach be’asor lachodesh” – according to the chachomim, the mi’ut indicates that it is not Y”K for the person who doesn’t do teshuva
Divrei Chachomim. Schar for Mitzvas Aseh.
Shaarei Teshuva, Shaar 3:6. – Severity of transgressing divrei chachomim. – Observing dinei d’rabanan a fuller expression of yiras Shomayim – Reward only for mitzvos aseh or lo sa’aseh as well. Machlokes, explanation.
Ish Hahaacha: Teshuva Distinct from Kapara
Ish haHalacha – Teshuva is separate and distinct from kapara, and is defined by hafkoas shem rasha, and is NOT defined by achieving kapara. – Teshuva as an act of self-creation, because of the transformation it affects. You can’t change