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Beit Midrash
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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Simcha bat Chana
This section of narrative affects two things structurally within Melachim. One is that it breaks up the discussion of the history of the kings and instead focuses on prophets. The other is that it abandons discussion of the older and more illustrious Kingdom of Judea, whose kings were descendants of David, to focus on the Kingdom of Israel, or the Northern Kingdom. (Eliyahu and Elisha belonged to the tribes of the North and interacted with their kings, as recorded in the text.) In contrast, Divrei Hayamim (Chronicles), which deals primarily with the Kingdom of Judea, mentions Eliyahu only in passing, as sending a message to Yehoram the King of Judea, and does not mention Elisha at all.
Let us take a closer look at the structure of Melachim. The book starts with a united kingdom being passed down from King David to his son, Shlomo. After the kingdom splits, the narrative alternates between a discussion of one kingdom and the other. However, from chapter 17 of Melachim I until the middle of chapter 8 of Melachim II, only the Israelite Kingdom is discussed, with Judea being mentioned only when it interacted with its brother kingdom. The last part of Melachim II resumes its consecutive discussion of the two kingdoms. Why does Judea disappear during a certain period?
This silence is apparently a stinging censure of the Kingdom of Judea, primarily after the death of Yehoshafat. The new king, Yehoram, lowered the nation to unprecedented levels, both in regard to religious life and in regard to basic civil justice. Divrei Hayamim (II, 21:4) does deal with this period, and describes how Yehoram killed off all of his brothers and caused the people to sin horribly (ibid. 6:11). Scripture also details severe retribution that was meted out against him, as his property and even his family were captured by invaders, and he died of a harsh disease (ibid. 16-19).
Yehoram’s only son, Achazya took over for his father and, according to Chazal, continued his evil ways (Sanhedrin 102b). He was "outdone" only by his mother, Atalya, who plundered the Temple and killed out almost all of the family of David, to prevent challenge to her usurpation of the throne (ibid. 22:10 and 24:7).
Ezra the Scribe, who wrote Divrei Hayamim with Divine Spirit, decided to criticize the kings of Judea of that period. Yirmiya, who wrote Melachim, followed a prophecy that told him to criticize by removing that period of Judean history from the national annals. It is hard to decide which form of censure is the more poignant.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
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.
