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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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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.
