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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
- Lech Lecha
The basic truth of the entire narrative regarding our founders of Judaism is that their lives serve as a paradigm and model for the Jewish story generally throughout the ages. We are a nation of wanderers. We have traveled the world, willingly and otherwise, spreading the basic ideas of monotheism, goodness and compassion towards others and hope for a better future for all of humankind. Naturally the disappointments, defeats and frustrations that Avraham and Sarah are repeated and repeated again in all of Jewish history as well. And the wandering gene that is within all Jews remains part of us today. And people who are by nature wanderers find it difficult to feel satisfied with what they have or where they are. Avraham himself will complain to God "What have you given me?" It is only at the end of his life that Avraham achieves the serenity and permanence that he has always sought. The achievements of Jewry over the ages against formidable odds are extraordinary. But they are all at great cost. One should realize that there is no easy way to be a true descendant of Avraham and Sarah. It is not merely a matter of biology and genetics that makes one a descendant of our ancestors. It is matter of commitment, tenacity and toughness in the face of loneliness and opposition. I pray that our wanderings are approaching their final station and that again as our father Avraham we will also reach the shores of serenity and permanence in our personal and national life.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.