tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345202358783241386.post2713339145082565634..comments2023-08-15T09:20:12.403-07:00Comments on Pesach Sheini: Missing the Forest for the Trees- A new approach to teaching halacha Pesach Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05429802587338023317noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345202358783241386.post-72661222062849479622014-02-28T06:44:27.527-08:002014-02-28T06:44:27.527-08:00Sorry for mentioning T&G yet again, but your c...Sorry for mentioning T&G yet again, but your closing sentence was pretty much my thesis. Our difference is in focus... I don't think the educational agenda is possible without a cultural one. We need enough parents, other role models, and just a general feel in shul that people are at least looking for a goal, or else the classroom won't be enough.<br /><br />After all, we all intellectually know there is a goal that halakhah is pointing us to; the problem is bringing that down to the emotional, experiential, level so that we live accordingly.micha bergerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11612144735431285113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345202358783241386.post-55061136682941759772014-02-28T06:40:05.119-08:002014-02-28T06:40:05.119-08:00FWIW, http://www.aishdas.org/asp/3x2-constant-mitz...FWIW, <a href="" rel="nofollow">http://www.aishdas.org/asp/3x2-constant-mitzvos>I think of these mitzvos</a> as three pieces of knowledge and three middos. Machashavah and Hislahavus, which then (if you recall from "<a href="http://www.aishdas.org/asp/tools-and-goals" rel="nofollow">Tools & Goals</a>" sec. V) feed a an attitude toward life (hashkafah) which would then inform one's observance (taamei hamitzvos), so as to develop the mind and heart and continuing the upward cycle.<br /><br />Belief in a Creator finds emotional expression in ahavas Hashem. Much as knowing that someone is your parent also naturally generates love, and knowing a piece of art causes an attachment to the artist.<br /><br />Belief in His Uniqueness fuels a desire to follow his ends to the exclusion of the other "shiny object" in life that attract our eye.<br /><br />And belief in G-d's Singularity, that He is One in an absolute way, speaks to how transcendent He is. Awe naturally follows.<br /><br />But yes, we need to realize that halakhah means the art of walking, and going is meaningless if you aren't trying to get anywhere.<br /><br />Quoting T&G: <i>Rav Chaim Volozhiner comments (Ruach Chaim, [Avos 1:13]) that Hillel refers to someone who constantly learns Torah shelo lishmah, for the sake of advancing his reputation and fame. Such study backfires, and such a person would lose even the reputation he began with. The gemara’s assurance that someone who acts for ulterior motive will come to act lishmah is only the person who is trying to ascend, but needs other motivations to actually carry through on that aspiration. “A person cannot put his foot on the next rung up without taking it off the rung below.”</i>micha bergerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11612144735431285113noreply@blogger.com