YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Shmot
- Ki Tisa
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Tzvi Yoel Ben Moshe HaLevi
Moshe Rabeinu's response to the sin seems almost as surprising as the sin itself - smashing the 'luchos' at the foot of the mountain, and then rallying the Levi'im to slay their brothers and friends.
Rav Kook (Orot Hakodesh 2, 21) derives an important lesson from Moshe's behavior: although under normal circumstances holiness is a constructive force, which fosters growth through positive actions, there are times when an act of 'holy destruction' is called for.
Rav Kook explains that this lesson is relevant to each and every person as he navigates his way through life's concerns. A person who is not wholeheartedly committed to seeking out "the light of good and truth", will choose the comfort one experiences when clinging to familiar ground, never questioning well worn beliefs and opinions. Moshe's act of 'holy destruction' teaches us that in order to achieve the highest level one can, maintaining the status quo is not enough. One must be willing to lay physical and spiritual well being at risk, 'smashing' outdated elements of the self, thus preparing the ground for the building of a more spiritual structure.
It is time to listen to the voice of G-d as it calls to us through the unfolding of Jewish history in our time - Come home, come home to the land where the Jewish people can truly build a sacred nation.
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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.
