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Beit Midrash
- Shabbat and Holidays
- Rosh Hashana
- The Essence of Rosh Hashana
Festive Clothing and Food on Rosh Hashana, the New Year
The Shulchan Aruch brings down the Halacha, that notwithstanding all the fear and trembling associated with the Day of Judgement, we prepare for Rosh HaShana like we do for a festival; for instance, we launder our clothing and get haircuts. One could understandably think, to the contrary, that we should behave like mourners out of fear of the judgement; but since we are certain that G-d will judge us righteously, we treat Rosh Hashana as a festival. As our Sages say in the words of Rabbi Chanina and Rabbi Yehoshua: "Which nation is like this nation, that knows the character of its G-d. For the majority of mankind, a man about to be put on trial wears black and neglects his appearance because he doesn't know what the verdict will be. But not so with the nation of Israel: they get haircuts and groom themselves beforehand and they wear white clothing and eat and drink on Rosh Hashana, since they know that G-d will perform a miracle for them" (Tur Orach Chaim).
The Words of the Sh'lah HaKadosh
The Sh'lah HaKadosh asks (Masechet Rosh HaShana, Torah Ohr), how can we be sure that a miracle will happen and we will be judged favorably? We see with our own eyes that every year people die and others suffer from diseases, meaning that no miracle occurred for them; if so, why are we certain that G-d will perform a miracle for us on Rosh HaShana?
The Sh'lah answers, that everyone who stands before the Holy One, Blessed be He on Rosh HaShana in prayer, and performs Tshuva (repentance), is assured that He will judge him favorably. However, in certain cases, because of the world's imperfections and sins, G-d sees that it is better for someone that he should die, and since that is so, he should also rejoice on Rosh HaShana, since by virtue of his prayer and Tshuva, the Holy One will judge him in the manner that is the best and most appropriate for him.
The Seudot (Festive Meals) of Rosh HaShana
The prophet Nechemiah (8:1) said to the Jewish People after the prayer of Rosh HaShana: " Go eat hearty food and drink sweet drink...for this is a holy day to our Lord; and be not sad, as rejoicing in G-d is your strength".
And this is the Halacha, that we must eat and drink and rejoice on Rosh HaShana, and we are forbidden to fast on this day. Nonetheless, one shouldn't (go to the other extreme) and fill his belly and gorge himself on Rosh HaShana since one must maintain his fear of G-d and not become lighthearted (Shulchan Aruch).
The same is true in regard to clothing: Even though we should wear white, festive clothing, the Turei Zahav wrote in the name of the Rashal that we shouldn't wear luxurious silk or embroidered garments in the manner we wear them on other Festivals. This is in order that the fear of the judgement should remain upon us (Mishna Berura).
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
