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Beit Midrash
- Shabbat and Holidays
- Purim & The Month of Adar
- The Month of Adar
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Asher Ishaayahu Ben Rivka
"When Adar arrives, we increase our joy." (Talmud Ta'anit 29a) The miracle of Purim teaches us that not everything that appears bad - is truly bad. A situation that appeared to spell doom and gloom, completely turned around. Not only was the evil threat negated, but "the exact opposite occurred, when the Jews ruled over their enemies." (Esther 9:1)
Initially, Haman's plan to exterminate the nation was approved and quickly gained steam; the Jews were in serious danger. It was only later, at a point at which it looked as if we were on the verge of being destroyed, only then, "did matters turn around completely, and the Jews ruled over their enemies".
The 180 degree turn of events constituted not only a physical, but also a spiritual, salvation. Prior to the miracle, the Jewish people faced a serious spiritual crisis, many having actually bowed down to idols. The Jews were assimilated, and, as our sages say - "partook of the meal of that evil one [King Achashverosh]" (Talmud Megillah 12a) Only later, after the miracle of Purim took place, did "they re-accept the Torah in the days of Achashverosh." (Talmud, Shabbat 88a) Purim brought about a voluntary receiving of the Torah, a turn of events that can only be described as an overwhelming spiritual re-awakening. The process reverberated to the broader society, and, as the Megillah itself (Esther 8:17) notes: "Many of the [non-Jewish] inhabitants thereupon converted to Judaism".
From the Purim story, we, the Jews, learned how to relate to reality in a different way. We began to understand how even the threat of total annihilation can be foiled and bring about a new national "lease on life." Indeed, a short time after the original Purim, our Holy Temple was rebuilt.
A Daring plan
Just imagine the feelings of the Jewish people when Esther invited Haman and Achashverosh to her feast! The Jews were surely shocked - how could Esther dare invite those two characters to a party when her nation was on the verge of being exterminated? Why would she invite this evil man, the most wicked person of the time, a Jew hater, to her party? The next day it was even announced that there would be yet another feast, and that both Haman and Achashverosh were invited again!
In the end, it became clear that the invitation was, from the very beginning, designed to bring about the downfall of the wicked Haman. Only in this manner, through invitations to parties, was it possible to catch him off-guard; he never suspected Esther of any such plan, and was totally unprepared for what was to befall him.
Esther's successful strategy indicates that sometimes, meeting the enemy, attending parties with him, "dialoguing" with him, so to speak, is that which will bring him down, lead to his being hung on a tree on which he hoped to execute his enemy.
"When Adar arrives, we increase our joy." Everything is open, everything is fluid, everything can turn out for the best. "Salvation and redemption will reach the Jews from another source." "And the Jews experienced light and joy and happiness."
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
