Sunday, August 31, 2008

Being in Pursuit By Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser

Tzedek tzedek tirdof l’maan tichye v’yorashto es ha’aretz … (Devarim 16:20) – Righteousness, righteousness shall you pursue, so that you will live and possess the Land…

The obvious translation of these words is that a person must pursue “tzedek” – to seek ways that will enable him to increase righteousness and tzedakah in the land.

However, the Ben Ish Chai undertakes to comprehend the true meaning of the word tirdof – to pursue, which usually indicates a lashon of hisnagdus – opposition and conflict, and why the word tzedek is repeated twice.

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

Rosh Chodesh Elul is sund. aug 31 and mond- sept 1. we begin saying ledovid Hash-m and prepare for the Yomim Nearaim.

Anonymous said...

Rosh chodesh Elul is sund. aug 31 and mon sept 1. we begin saying Ledovid Hash-m and prepare for the Yomim Nearaim

Anonymous said...

nice vort. have you written anything else about tzedakah and hessed and tikkun olam (nice daf yomi for the past few days!)?

arnie draiman
www.mitzvahheroesfund.org
www.draimanconsulting.com

Anonymous said...

one who seeks peace is deservant of all the Brochos

Anonymous said...

Teshuva confessio is never between two people. We daven to Hash-m and ask to be forgiven for our sins.

Anonymous said...

The Zohar HoKodosh states that a person who does Teshuva for one hour, one day or even one minute, is privillaged to a closeness to Hash-m that Tzadikim can't ever reach.

Anonymous said...

the third foundation of doing Teshuva is Azivas Hachet- One must forsake the sin and promise to not repeat it in the future.

computer technition said...

The Prophet Yishayahu says (6:10)- "they turn back in Teshuva and they will be healed."
R' Avigdor Miller, ztl, explains this to mean that the primary result of Teshuva, is healing from guilt. an aveiro is a illness of the Neshama and when we cry out to Hash-m and aske to be forgiven, we are healing our neshama. Fortunate is one who achieves healing in Olam Hazeh precluding the need for atonement in olam Haba.

Anonymous said...

a chosid once aske the great tzadik, Reb Shlomo of Karlin, "what is the greatest aveiro a person could commit in his lifetime?"
Reb Shlomo thought for a minute, then he answered, "The GREATEST sina person can commit is, to forget that he's a son of a king!

Unknown said...

the Beis Elokim's opinion is that if one does proper Teshuva, but in the future succumbs to his Yetzer Hora, his Teshuva is still Valid. It doesn't take away from the sincerity he had when he was asking Hash-m for forgiveness. Now he must make stronger gedarim and daven that he have more strgnth and continue to grow. one shouldn't give up and despair thinking he will fail in the future anyway.
Every step, tefilla or act of Teshuva is considered tremendous in the eyes of Hashe-m Yisborach; for now, Elul, He awaits for EVERYONE'S tefillos and Teshuvos!

Anonymous said...

the Beis Elokim's opinion is that if one does proper Teshuva, but in the future succumbs to his Yetzer Hora, his Teshuva is still Valid. It doesn't take away from the sincerity he had when he was asking Hash-m for forgiveness. Now he must make stronger gedarim and daven that he have more strgnth and continue to grow. one shouldn't give up and despair thinking he will fail in the future anyway.
Every step, tefilla or act of Teshuva is considered tremendous in the eyes of Hashe-m Yisborach; for now, Elul, He awaits for EVERYONE'S tefillos and Teshuvos!

Unknown said...

when it comes to do Teshuva, one should never look back and think of all the misdeeds he has commited. he shouldnt be discouraged and say they've done too much, their list is too long. Rather, they should remember that Hash-m Yisborach awaits for one THOUGHT of teshuva, a bit of guilt, or some regret. In bereishis (19:17)- do not look behind you!" when it comes to Teshuva, always look at the future, think of the path you are choosing now and not the one you were on.

Anonymous said...

Translation of Hebrew words into other languages is very complex, many of us don't understand it. So, I am realy grateful for Your explanations.

Anonymous said...

tzedek ! do we realy hear how this word sound and what does it mean, or we hear it just as any other...

Anonymous said...

Extremely difficult topic for todays Israel

Anonymous said...

Tikun olam is our duty, obligation, do not say I have no time today

Anonymous said...

A good wife is a handsome gift from HAshem says Ben Sira