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Beit Midrash
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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Amram son of Sultana
"After the doings of the land of Egypt, wherein you dwelt (asher yoshavtem ba), you shall not do, and after the doings of the land of Canaan, where I bring you (asher ani mayvee etchem shama) you shall not do, nor shall you walk in their statutes. (Levit. 18:3)
Hearing this must have greatly depressed the Israelites. What a misfortune to be associated with two lands, two nations whose pagan culture was morally and religiously the lowest of all nations. (Rashi)
After spending centuries in Egypt as slaves, they were probably happy to be told that they must abandon and forget all the doings of the land of Egypt. Good riddance! But the land of Canaan was the "Promised Land" where they came as nomads into an agricultural economy where they will need the practical "know how" of the natives. Under these circumstances, how will they be able to prevent fraternization and assimilation? Ever since, Jews who have lived in the Diaspora are familiar with this problem.
The solution of course, is to reject "their statues" and to observe Hashem’s Torah: "My statutes and My ordinances". However, observance of Torah must have two dimensions if it is to ward off assimilation.
1. Lolechet bohem "To walk therein" Your Torah must be broad enough to accompany you in all walks of life: home, family, business, community.
2. V’chai bohem "To live by them" Your Torah must be intensive and deep.
You must see in Torah, life itself. Your love of Hashem and your understanding of the "whys and wherefores" of Judaism must touch the very reasons for your existence.
However, the most challenging interpretation of the above passage for the Jews of today is as follows:
The most sinful "doings of the land Egypt" was that you "dwelt there". That is, after a while you didn’t consider this "galut" but your home wherein you would seek your fortune and settle your offspring for the next generations. You were there to stay!
And, the most sinful "doings of the land of Canaan" is that I had "to bring you there", screaming and kicking. You didn’t go voluntarily. Even when you have the opportunity, you have lost the vision of "returning home".
Says the Torah: This kind of "doings of the land of Canaan", you shall not do!
The sovereign State of Israel, historic home of the Jewish people, awaits you! Ayeka? Where are you?
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This is a weekly column contributed by Aloh Naaleh an organization devoted to motivating Jews to make Aliya.
Aloh Na'aleh
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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