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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Shmot
- Mishpatim
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Robert Chai ben Myriam
Most of our parashah, Mishpatim, deals with "just laws which [B'nei Yisrael] are to put into practice…that they not covet what is not rightfully theirs" (Ramban 21:1). How we wish that all our legal experts, financiers and politicians – especially in this year of turmoil and elections, both here and in the U.S. -- would take these laws to heart!
Later in the parashah (23:20-33), G-d promises us many good things as we settle the Land "that I have designated [for you]," if we heed His commands. He promises to "antagonize your enemies and persecute your persecutors," if we do not follow heathen practices. He will also "bless your food and your drink" (Meanwhile, keep praying for more rain!) and "eliminate [any] illness from among you." With the recent increase in anti-Israel/anti-Semitic activity, we pray that He will indeed soon (v. 27) "make all your enemies turn [in retreat]."
To bring this about, in addition to (v. 22) "doing everything that I say," we are exhorted to (v. 30) "increase [your numbers] and take possession of the land." Indeed, the religious/political/financial landscape of Israel would be much better if more of our brethren who followed Mishpatim -- Jewish Law -- would join us in our struggle to bring all G-d's promises of good to Israel, the Jewish people and the whole world!
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
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.
