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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Simcha bat Chana
During Yom Kippur, we are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to receive atonement for many sins, which certainly is a happier prospect than receiving the full punishment we deserve. However, the service is still one with the "gun against the temple." On Sukkot, we should have the feeling that we have, for the most part, made it through that stage and celebrate as those who can concentrate on the positive elements of our relationship with Hashem.
The Ramban (Shemot 20:7) famously makes the distinction between positive and negative commandments, saying that the latter is based on yirah of Hashem, while the former is based on ahava. Indeed, someone who fears tries to stay away from mistakes, whereas one who loves looks for opportunities to display the love, with less fear of what might go wrong. Yom Kippur is a day when we demonstrate the element of fear to an extreme. Not only do we refrain from problematic things, but we even refrain from such basic bodily needs as eating. We do not trust our connection with the natural physical world, and try to approach Hashem in a manner that is divorced from the physical world as much as possible. In contrast, on Sukkot, we fulfill two active mitzvot (sukka and the four minim). We take representatives of different things from nature into our hands, and we envelope ourselves in the "leftover of the winepress and the silo."
Our interest to engage the broader world also expands on Sukkot. We would sacrifice 70 bulls in the Beit Hamikdash, corresponding to the 70 nations, for whose ultimate success we pray. This is also related to our focus on Sukkot on the coming of Mashiach (the haftarot, the references to the hide of the Leviatan, etc.). Rav Kook writes in several places (including the first piece of Ein Ayah) that during the time of exile, when the Jewish people are physically and spiritually vulnerable, we are to be inwardly focused to ensure our survival. Only when we return to our Land and the Days of Mashiach begin can we reach our full potential as a nation of priests and lead the world toward universal service of Hashem. The other nations will lose their prominence as leaders and, like the decreasing number of bulls offered as Sukkot progresses, they will be happy to follow our lead as they come to see the "G-d of the house of Jacob" in Yerushalayim (Yeshaya 2:3).
May we merit seeing the increasing confidence to show our love of Hashem on the world stage as we continue to move toward the days of full liberation.
Rabbis in Midrash
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Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 2
The King of the Kazars, in his search for truth, starts by inviting the philosopher. This is a "crash-course" on Aristotelian philosophy and the reasons why the king is not convinced. Through this dialogue, R. Yehuda HaLevi already foreshadows some of his central ideas that will appear later.
Shavuot "Love of Torah = Love of Israel"- for Shavuot
People often identify Judaism as just a religion, but upon examination, we see, even halachically and explicitly in the siddur, that the Torah is dependent upon Am Yisrael, Jewish nationalism.
Ein Aya The Middle-Child & Anti-Tzni'ut Syndrome- Negative Attention
Although tzni'ut is for men just like women, Rav Kook deals here with the sources in Yishayahu and the Talmud which deals with the special problem of lack of tzni'ut in women's dress and actions, where it's not just a problem of midot and character traits, but also can include practical, social and national ramifications, as well, which caused the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash and exile from Israel. The class continues the previous one (Ayn Aya Shabbat vi, 29), and is a must for all educators and parents of high-school aged and young adults.
P'ninat Mishpat P'NINAT MISHPAT: A Mess of Loans, Repayments and Grievances – part II
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts