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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 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.
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.