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Beit Midrash
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The first thing that Yitro did which deserved Bnei Yisrael’s appreciation was his refusal to take part in the meeting that Paroh held to discuss the "Jewish problem." The gemara (Sota 11a) says: "There were three who were involved in Paroh’s plan: Bilam, who gave the advice, was killed. Iyov, who was silent, was judged with afflictions. Yitro, who ran away, merited having descendants sitting in the seat of the Sanhedrin.
Moshe ended up helping Yitro by saving the latter’s daughters from the shepherds. Yitro returned the favor by offering Moshe a place to stay ... and his daughter, Tzipora, as a wife. Hashem recognized Yitro’s generosity, as the midrash tells: "From here we learn that whoever accepted upon himself to do a mitzva, that mitzva does not leave his house. Yitro accepted a redeemer (Moshe) in his house who ran away from an enemy (Paroh). There arose in his house one (Yael) who accepted an enemy (Sisra) who ran away from a redeemer (Barak) and killed him" (Shemot Rabba 4).
After the Exodus from Egypt, Yitro renewed the relationship and at that time taught Bnei Yisrael another lesson in hakarat hatov. This time he recognized Hashem, saying: "Blessed is (baruch) Hashem, who saved you from the hand of Egypt and the hand of Paroh" (Shemot 18:10). Chazal even criticized Bnei Yisrael for not noticing the appropriateness of using baruch in thanking Hashem for the miracles (Sanhedrin 94a).
The mutual hakart hatov between Bnei Yisrael and Yitro’s family found expression after Bnei Yisrael settled in Eretz Yisrael, as well. The Beit Hamikdash was eventually built on a tract of land that belonged partially to the tribe of Yehuda and partially to that of Binyamin. This land was swapped with an area around Yericho, which was given for safekeeping to Yitro’s descendants. 1,000 years later, on the eve of the exile, Yirmiyah praised the family for this and said that they would always have members sitting of the Sanhedrin (Mechilta D’Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai 18:27).
It is important for us to remember that those non-Jews who show us friendship and act with honesty toward us deserve commensurate appreciation. It is wrong when we do not return the favors or complain that they are not even more helpful than they already are.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
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.