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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Asher Ben Haim
The former description of Avraham comes in the context of Hashem’s decision to allow Avraham to intercede on behalf of the people of S’dom. The latter is Hashem’s explanation of the merit through which the role of the Chosen Nation would be bestowed upon Avraham’s offspring. Indeed, Avraham had a dual role. He was the founder of a nation dedicated to the service of Hashem on the highest level. He was also an "av hamon goyim" (the father of a multitude of nations), who taught belief in G-d and basic morality to any nation or person who was willing to listen.
If one views the content of the praises he will see that each is appropriate for its context. It was Avraham the world leader who was allowed to intercede on behalf of S’dom. He had a legacy as a man who taught charity and justice so that his followers could follow the way of Hashem. These were two attributes that S’dom had not internalized, to speak mildly. Yet, Avraham was given the opportunity to try to convince Hashem that the situation was salvageable, which it was not.
However, these attributes were not the basis for the nation that Avraham would found. The Chosen Nation would have to accept and fulfill a full regimen of strict observances (ibid.). Avraham led the way in this regard, as Chazal (Kiddushin 82a) learned from this pasuk that he observed all the Torah’s intricate laws before they were given. This accomplished two things. First, it gave Avraham merit, which made him deserve the nation. Second, it inculcated in his offspring a proclivity toward success in this demanding area, which came in good stead at Sinai and beyond.
We must remember that the two elements of Avraham’s legacy are incorporated in one person. The same person who followed his Maker by loving charity and justice was also disciplined enough to keep the myriad intricacies of halacha. Similarly, vice versa is true. In fact, we could point to the order of the occurrences in the Torah and apply the rule of "derech eretz kadma laTorah" (a proper approach toward people is a prerequisite to excellence in Torah). May the children of Avraham not settle for excellence in humanism or religiosity but strive for excellence in both and learn to incorporate them harmoniously as people and a nation.
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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