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Beit Midrash
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Why the ear? Rav Yochanan ben Zakkai (Kiddushin 22b) explains that it was the ear which heard at Har Sinai the words "do not steal", and in addition it was stated "ki li bnai yisrael avadim"-"unto Me are the Jewish people slaves", "v’lo avadim l’avadim"-"and not slaves to other slaves." In both of these dictums the ear was delinquent of its duties and did not listen.
However, one may still ask: Why the ear? After all, the hand was just as responsible for stealing and taking the goods. Furthermore, if the ear is held accountable, let it be pierced immediately upon being convicted of stealing. Why wait until the end of the six years?
Rav Chaim Yaakov Goldvicht z"l, Rosh Yeshiva of Kerem B’Yavneh explains by means of a parable: An individual who works hard during the six days of the week, barely finds a moment for Torah studies. When he reaches Shabbat and is entranced by the speakers and shiurim, he is inspired to undertake further delving into Torah. The man sincerely wants to change, leave his job and devote his time to learning Torah. Yet, when Shabbat ebbs away, and the weekly routine begins, his dreams and new commitments are slowly put aside or simply forgotten.With each Shabbat that he experiences, more shiurim and other lectures will accumulate in "his ear", and ultimately will enable him to fulfill his dream and change his lifestyle.
Similarly, it takes a long time for the slave to recognize that what truly lay behind his theft was his loss of shmiah-his power to hear and change himself. After the six years he completes as punishment for stealing, the lesson has been learned and he can now become a better person, growing closer to Hashem. However, if he voluntarily extends his servitude, he in essence gives up his hearing power and can only do what he is told to do by his master. This loss of the ability to be inspired, influenced and impressed in order to change his ways, is the tragedy that is memorialized with the pierced ear.
The lesson is clear: we must be careful never to enter situations or lifestyles where our ability to achieve spiritual heights is removed from our hands. Never turn a deaf ear. Listen and take advantage of change to come closer to both Torat Yisrael and Eretz Yisrael.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.