Emes L'Yaakov

1891-1986

Rav Yaakov Kaminetsky (1891-1986) was born in Lithuania. He studied for more than 20 years in the Slabodka Yeshiva. He moved to North America in 1937, serving in rabbinic positions in Seattle and Toronto. From 1948-1968 he was the Rosh Yeshiva of Mesivta Torah Vodaath in Brooklyn, NY, eventually retiring to Monsey, NY where he focused on his writings, including peirshim on Shas and Shulchan Aruch. It’s a shame that many don’t know more about him besides for the fact that he is the eponymous gadol of “Making of a Gadol.”

Divrei Torah by Emes L'Yaakov

Bereishit

Bereishit 1:22

Bereishit 1:22 — Emes L'Yaakov

by Emes L'Yaakov

Two of every species were made (2 of horse type x and type y), but only 2 humans (not 2 Jews, 2 Germans, etc.) - to disprove a superior Aryan race

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Equality

Bereishit

Bereishit 1:25

Bereishit 1:25 — Emes L'Yaakov

by Emes L'Yaakov

It doesn't say tov regarding man because he is temporary (with choice), alone (no woman yet), he is not yet complete and has to work to improve himself

Bereishit

Bereishit 1:26

Bereishit 1:26 — Emes L'Yaakov

by Emes L'Yaakov

To show Emet comes from earth too, our chakhamim have some power to make siyag and harchaka

Bereishit

Bereishit 2:1

Bereishit 2:1 — Emes L'Yaakov

by Emes L'Yaakov

People and animals are different, and what may seem tough to us is normal (and a good life) for a horse

Tafkid

Bereishit

Bereishit 2:4

Bereishit 2:4 — Emes L'Yaakov

by Emes L'Yaakov

That which is on earth also came from the sky, which is why we can use gashmiyut for spiritual goals too

Bereishit

Bereishit 3:5

Bereishit 3:5 — Emes L'Yaakov

by Emes L'Yaakov

Adam & Chava thought with Etz Hada'at they could build a better world than Hashem did

Emunah

Bereishit

Bereishit 3:14

Bereishit 3:14 — Emes L'Yaakov

by Emes L'Yaakov

People were supposed to get wise snakes to support them; the snake's punishment to have no knowledge turned into our punishment to work to support ourselves