Tag: books

Daf Yomi: Bava Metzia 111

Daf Yomi Insights: Bava Metzia 111

(Regarding issues concerning wages given by an employer to the workers):

“Faithful is your employer to pay you the reward of your labor; and know that the grant of reward unto the righteous is in the age to come.”

– Pirkei Avot 2:16

G-d is our employer on earth, wherein we work as an eved (servant) to serve Him through following the mitzvot (commandments). G-d is faithful toward us, inasmuch that He will grant us our reward. And, the reward of the righteous is a place in Olam Haba (the World to Come). In light of this rendering, our challenges in life must not be viewed as meaningless.

If we live a purposeful life in accord with G-d’s expectations of us, we can look forward to a partial reward in this life, through the blessings bestowed upon us, and the principal reward in Olam Haba. Therefore, let us not hink that our efforts are in vain, even if the long-term benefits will not be accrued over time, and granted to us once we are finished with our work on earth.

Daf Yomi: Bava Metzia 110a

Daf Yomi Insights: Bava Metzia 110a

Disagreements in regard to the ownership of trees, land, and crops.

This reminds of the infamous debate in regard to the land of Israel. The debate would be settled if we understand that Torah indicates that eretz Yisrael belongs to HaShem. And, scripture indicates that Jerusalem, in particular, was given to the Jewish people, and Israel to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

About 2,500 years ago, our inheritance was challenged by foreigners, when they attempted to prevent the fortification of the walls, and the subsequent building of the second Temple, as mentioned in the Book of Nehemiah: “The G-d of heaven, He will prosper us; therefore we His servants will arise and build; but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem” (Nehemiah 2:20, JPS 1917 Tanach).

And, so, perhaps not until all of the nations recognize the sovereignty of the G-d of Israel, will there be a resolution. As prophecy indicates, this will come to pass after the battle at Har Megiddo: “And the L-RD shall be King over all the earth; in that day shall the L-RD be One, and His name one” (Zech. 14:9, JPS).

Spiritual Sustenance

Five Thing Essay: Spiritual Sustenance

Every moment of this life is precious and holds great potential. We should value our time, and not carelessly squander our time on meaningless distractions from our goals in life. Rather an emphasis on spiritual development should guide our lives. Yet, for the mind to do so, calmness needs to prevail over our busy lives, hectic schedules, and general concerns.

Reflection on spiritual things may be fostered in us, through music that uplifts the soul. Moreover, this can enhance hisbodedus (meditative prayer), wherein we speak to G-d with words that may arise from within us. Prayer from the heart is one way of reaching out to G-d from the depths of the soul.

In our lives, the more we focus on G-d, the less anxiety we will have about our worldly concerns. Moreover, our growing concerns about the future, as well as the current state of affairs on earth, may weigh us down, if we do not bring a proper perspective into alignment with our thinking.

G-d has decreed that the world will not be completely destroyed, like at the time of the Mabul (Great Flood). Rather, we should look forward to the messianic era, when Torah will flourish upon the earth, amongst all peoples. And, “the word of the L-RD shall go out from Zion.”

Perhaps, this is one of the prime differences between the expectations of the Jewish people, and the incessant drive of radical Islam to impose Shariah law upon the world. We are waiting for Moshiach, in hopes of bringing peace to the world. No one is forced to accept the G-d of Israel, Who is a G-d of Mercy as well as Justice. So, let us not misuse our time until that day, when Moshiach will reign from Jerusalem; instead, let us focus on the cry, “Ad mosai” (how long will we wait)? And, prepare ourselves for that day, in great expectation.