YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
- Vayera
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Amram son of Sultana
So what lesson can we learn by examining the two "episodes" together? What does the second word of the phrase, "lecha," mean? The midrash (cited by Rashi, Bereishit 12:1) says that it means, for your benefit. In other words, the journey to the unknown land (which turns out to be C’na’an) will bring great rewards. Indeed, Avram received riches and notoriety in his times, with ramifications for future generations. It was there that his beloved, barren wife finally gave birth to a son, who would carry on Avram’s legacy. He received Malkitzedek, King of Shalem’s blessing and negotiated successfully with the regional powers of Egypt and Pelishtim. Avram took on the allied forces of Mesopotamia and emerged victorious in the first world war. According to the midrash, he even took the princesses of neighboring countries as wives, from whom he fathered entire nations. From a strategic and worldly perspective, the promise of fame, riches and descendants is fully kept.
Let us look at the second command, "Lech lecha." Coming a few decades later, with all of the successes under his belt, the second journey to Akeidat Yitzchak promised to erase almost everything he had gained. The son who was to continue his legacy was to be slaughtered, before begetting the next generation. The most respected man in the world was to turn into the laughing stock of mankind. Who would want to be blessed by association with the man who, after waiting a lifetime for a son, one who was born miraculously, would slaughter him for no apparent reason? Avraham proved that his willingness to fulfill Hashem’s instructions some decades before was not because it was "for your benefit," but that his response (ibid. 22:1) "hinení" (here I am) displayed his unconditional willingness to do the Divine Will.
After proving that his ability to obey was unconnected to his apparent personal welfare, Hashem took the opportunity to bless Avraham again (ibid. 17-18). This time there would be no question if the blessing were the reason for his dedication to Hashem. It was granted after passing the hardest of all tests, without the promise of benefit and satisfaction in hand. It is fitting that this great moment took place at the site where all of mankind would be able to worship, sacrifice to, and draw close to Hashem.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.