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Beit Midrash
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This message is not to be construed as allowing a novice with good and holy intentions to practice as a brain surgeon. There is a famous Jewish story about a young rabbi who had just come to town and with great enthusiasm set for himself the task of constructing a mikvah/ritualarium. Not having architectural instructions and plans or previous construction experience he nevertheless set himself to the task with great commitment and enthusiasm. The source of his expertise in the construction of the building was his study and understanding of the mishnayot of tractate Mikvaot. After a short period of time the building rose and was completed. After another period of time the building suddenly collapsed. When the townspeople came to inform the rabbi of the collapse of the building he mused and said to them: "Tosafot, the later commentary to Mishna and Talmud, truly raises an objection to the conclusion of that mishna!" The Mishkan was built by talented people. But in the Jewish world talent without commitment is eventually of little value just as commitment without talent is not the way to build buildings or teach children. The Torah always deals in practical human terms. But having commitment, vision and a holy attitude is a practical requirement not a soaring spiritual achievement. This lesson of the Torah applies to all areas of life - marriage, children, professions, and human projects, etc. One has to always see the larger picture, the vision that lies behind all of the apparently smaller things in life. And perhaps that is the most important and relevant lesson that the parsha has to teach us.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
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.