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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Vayikra
- Behar
Rashi explains that the Torah stressed that the laws of shemitta, like other laws, were given in details at Sinai. Why is the holy source of the laws communicated specifically in regard to shemitta? Rashi on the beginning of Bechukotai puts a very different stress. The concept of following Hashem’s chukim, he says, refers to toiling in Torah study, not on actively performing the mitzvot. Why?
Sometimes one takes care of his needs as they arise, and sometimes one plans well in advance. One of the differences is that plans for the immediate period need to be very specific, whereas for distant plans one can suffice with a basic outline. Most of the mitzvot that Bnei Yisrael received at Sinai were applicable immediately. However, Hashem knew that several decades would go by before shemitta and yovel would be operative. Why shouldn’t Hashem put the stress on details regarding the immediately operative mitzvot?
The answer is that the resting of the land and the holy jubilee year are central pillars of the Torah. The Torah says not to plant during shemitta. Although the poor were able to share with the rich landowners, our sources indicate that things were harder for the poor during shemitta than during other years (that is why they left some land without sanctity so as to support the poor from that land (Chagiga 3b)), so the needs of the poor were not the reason for shemitta. Rather the Torah’s goal is to cause man to realize that worldly possessions are not of intrinsic or of stable value.
The Torah promises a blessing for those who deserve it: "You will eat your bread in satiation" (Vayikra 26:5), from which the Rabbis learn that one will eat a little, but it will find blessing in one’s intestines. Would people be happy with a special pill that provides all the nutrients one needs, and eat nothing else? What about the enjoyment of eating? That’s why the Torah stresses to be preoccupied with Torah. When engrossed in the words of Torah, one does not find worldly pursuits so compelling. In a Torah world, one can leave competition behind and be happy helping others rather than accumulating wealth. The discipline needed to keep shemitta is related to the power to dedicate oneself to Torah.
Deep involvement in Torah is designed to take one from fighting class struggles over power and resources to struggling to determine the truth in age-old question of halacha or ethics. The latter is certainly more worthwhile.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 2
The King of the Kazars, in his search for truth, starts by inviting the philosopher. This is a "crash-course" on Aristotelian philosophy and the reasons why the king is not convinced. Through this dialogue, R. Yehuda HaLevi already foreshadows some of his central ideas that will appear later.
Shavuot "Love of Torah = Love of Israel"- for Shavuot
People often identify Judaism as just a religion, but upon examination, we see, even halachically and explicitly in the siddur, that the Torah is dependent upon Am Yisrael, Jewish nationalism.
Ein Aya The Middle-Child & Anti-Tzni'ut Syndrome- Negative Attention
Although tzni'ut is for men just like women, Rav Kook deals here with the sources in Yishayahu and the Talmud which deals with the special problem of lack of tzni'ut in women's dress and actions, where it's not just a problem of midot and character traits, but also can include practical, social and national ramifications, as well, which caused the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash and exile from Israel. The class continues the previous one (Ayn Aya Shabbat vi, 29), and is a must for all educators and parents of high-school aged and young adults.
P'ninat Mishpat P'NINAT MISHPAT: A Mess of Loans, Repayments and Grievances – part II
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts