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Asher Ishaayahu Ben Rivka
The story of the human race is a history of the evolution of the Divine spark in man. The first human, Adam, the Almighty's own direct handiwork, was created flawless, "In the image of God, He created him." Yet, not all of Adam's progeny inherited this elevated status. Only one of Adam's sons inherited his Divine character; the rest lacked this quality. The Scriptures clearly state that "Adam had a son in his likeness and form. He named him Seth," and then, "he had sons and daughters" (Genesis 5:3). Neither the names of these "sons and daughters," nor the fact that they possessed any likeness to Adam is mentioned in the verse. This evidences that they, as we have said, did not attain the Divine status of their father. Enosh inherited the Divine spark from his father, Seth, while the rest of Seth's sons did not. In this manner the Divine spark was passed down generation after generation until it finally reached Noah and Shem and was passed on to the Patriarch Abraham. From Abraham it continued in Isaac, but not to his other offspring; from Isaac it was passed on to Jacob, but not to Esau. In Jacob, the Divine element reached such forceful perfection that it became the inheritance of all of his offspring for all generations. This unique attribute is called "Segulat Yisrael."
Until the time of Jacob, this "Segula" been the personal possession of a sole individual in each generation; after Jacob it was dispersed among his offspring. Before Jacob, one who merited the Divine spark was like the fruit among humankind - like a buried treasure. The rest of humanity was like the peel of the fruit. They were of a different makeup than their father.
Foundations of Faith (51)
Rabbi Zalman Baruch Melamed
11 - 11. Creation and History in the Torah
12 - 12. A History of the Divine
13 - 13. Faith Needs No Rational Proof
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The Khazar king asks: Why did God give Torah to the Jewish people alone? Why not give it to all of humanity? God created everything, and all of the people in the world are His handiwork. This being the case, God should have desired for all of humanity to receive the Torah.
In response to this question, the wise Rabbi explains that God's Divine word was given to the Chosen People alone, for they alone inherited the Divine spark. The Torah is not appropriate for the rest of the nations. Our Sages explain that before giving Torah to the Jews, the Almighty offered it to the rest of the nations as well. Each nation asked what was written in it, and upon hearing what the Torah demanded of them, each nation demurred. Indeed, the Divine law suits the Divine people alone.
Israel is illuminated by the Divine light, and through them the name of God is spread to all of humanity. Israel is the Divine heart of all humanity.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
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.
