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Beit Midrash
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In his commentary on Chumash, Rabbi Shimshon Refael Hirsch stresses the
inaccuracy of the translation of korban as sacrifice, since that implies the idea of giving something up that is of value to oneself for the benefit of another, or of having to do without something of value, ideas which are diametrically opposed to the real meaning of korban. Rabbi Hirsch notes that the root word of korban is karov, to come near, and understands its meaning to be coming into a closer relationship with God. In Rabbi Hirschs words: it is nearness to God which is striven for by a korban.
This understanding of korban explains the connection between korbanot and Eretz Yisrael.
The Holy Alshikh quotes our Sages comment that of all the lands of the world, only the Holy Land is supervised in a direct personal manner by God, while all other lands are entrusted to a ministering angel. Thus, Alshikh explains that a Jew can connect to God and to his own spiritual roots in the Holy Land more easily than in other land.
May we achieve this connection with the Creator speedily in our days, with the rebuilding of the Bet haMikdash.
Rabbis in Midrash
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Israel and the Nations A Few Minutes & Many Innovative Ideas on Antisemitism & What to do About It
As we approach the High Holidays, this short lecture (18 minutes) deals with the unfortunate situation of how Israel and the Jewish People stand against antisemitism, analyzing its cause according to Rav Kook, and how to deal with the issue pragmatically & via our prayers.
Ha'azinu PURSUIT is PERFECTION
p. Ha'azinu, Shabbat Shuva
Rav Kook deals with the question of the seemingly hopeless nature of Tshuva. For G-d Himself knows that He created us with free will, which inevitably means we will sometimes make mistakes and choose wrong. This can easily be frustrating, freezing us into inaction and ye'ush (loss of hope). If one sins even once, does he chalila have no choice but suicide?! Moreover, our Godly conscience demands justice, righteousness and perfection, but we all know this is impossible, so what's the solution? Rav Kook's innovative thinking, strongly based on chazal (our sages), offers an inciteful and important aspect to this topic, especially this time of year!
Sukkot Bug-Free Sukkah: Essential Halachic and Practical Schach Guide
How to inspect, clean, and store bamboo mats and palm branches to protect your mitzvah and holiday meals.
