Davening in a beit midrash or synagogue, and its impact

Hi,

Multiple lessons here:

"An established study hall is of greater sanctity than a synagogue, and there is a greater mitzvah to pray there than in a synagogue, assuming one prays with a minyan.

"Rama: Nonetheless, one should not accustom himself to do this, lest the masses learn from him and cease coming to the synagogue."

בית המדרש קבוע קדוש יותר מבהכ"נ, ומצוה להתפלל בו יותר מב"ה, והוא שיתפלל בי'

הגה: ואפילו הכי לא ירגיל עצמו לעשות כן, שלא ילמדו עמי הארץ ממנו ויתבטלו מב"ה (תשובת הרא"ש כלל ד' והטור).

(Shulchan Aruch and Rama Orach Chaim 90:18)

Have a great day,

Mordechai

Concern for appearances

Hi,

"When the sages mention a need to avoid the appearance of impropriety, the need exists even when in one’s innermost room."

(Talmud, Shabbat 64b)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

When a judge must explain himself

Hi,


Background: Normally, judges on a Jewish court are not required to present the logic behind their decisions. However, in a particular case (Bava Metzia 69a-b), Rav Pappa explained his decision. Tosafot explains:

"Rav Pappa was required to explain his verdict in this case, specifically, under the principle of 'You shall be innocent from Gd and Israel,' because the litigant had reason to suspect him."

(Tosafot to Bava Metzia 69b כי האי גוונא)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

A dose of reality

Hi,

"Do not perform an act which people will mock; it is their way to conceal the good and to reveal the bad."

(Rosh, Orchot Chaim 55)

Have a great day,
Mordechai