Yeshiva
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- D'varim
- Vayelech
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- D'varim
- Nitzavim
That is part of the mystique that allows the Torah to call itself a "song." It is the melody of holiness that resonates in our hearts and souls even amongst those who have forgotten the lyrics - the holy words - of the song itself. Melodies are not easily forgotten or eradicated from our subconscious. They create associative memory that does not easily leave us. People have a favorite song. Countries have their individual national anthems. The melodies govern even when the words are no longer sounded clearly or expressed clearly. The torah is therefore not only its holy words but it is also the haunting melody of Jewish existence and God’s covenant throughout the ages. Melody is one of the great memory aids of all time. For selichot we will say "to listen to the melody and to the prayers." Apparently prayer without lasting melody accompanying it falls short of its desired purpose. Therefore Jewish prayer throughout all of our history has been infused and beautified by melody. Some melodies are considered so sacrosanct that they defy change or improvisation. The Torah itself is read publicly to melody and special cantillations. In fact rabbinic commentary has drawn upon the melodies of the Torah reading to find meanings and direction in the very words of the Torah itself. Thus it is the covenant of the Torah itself, so to speak put to music by its holy melodies, that rises continually to refresh our memories and strengthen our souls in all times of danger and challenges.
Rabbis in Midrash
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Various Events FOR WHOM NOT TO VOTE
Rav Zvi Yehuda Kook stressed that Israeli politics is G-dly, so I have no problem answering this common question on a Torani blog. Also, Free-Will is a G-d-given right and obligation, to "destine one's fate" (R. Soloveichik, Kol Dodi Dofek, 67), so I obviously don't tell others how to vote. But once not a few (especially young) have already asked, a couple of personal words from experience and thoughts from chazal & Rav Kook which may be of help to others, mainly for whom NOT to vote.
P'ninat Mishpat Fallout from Failure to Install Elevator – part II
based on ruling 85007 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
