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Beit Midrash
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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Yossef ben Simcha
Part of the test was not only the willingness to leave his place but the effort to maintain equilibrium while doing so. When a person is in his own familiar place, he has a certain standing in the society, and he feels a natural tendency to try to preserve his stature and reputation. Often, for that reason, a person will hold himself back from doing something that could affect his status.
Avraham was well known where he came from, with a special place in society where he commanded a lot of respect, especially after the miracle of being saved from the furnace. That is when Hashem presented him with the command to move. Hashem was concerned that Avraham’s actions might not be just for the pure intentions that he had worked on, but it could become, increasingly as time went on, a matter of rote or to preserve that which had been accomplished previously. That possibility of complacency could be a spiritual danger for one who wanted to maintain the genuine high level that Avraham did. That is why he had to go to a place where he had no reputation and was in fact unknown – to start from the beginning.
The idea behind this type of test is hinted at in the command to be involved in Torah study (as found in the context of the mitzva of Kri’at Shema) as the Torah said to "speak about them as you go on the path" (Devarim 6:7). One is not to take his mind off Torah even when he is on the move and has places where he must go. A person may want to get on the road quickly before it gets too hot or accomplish everything he needs to while he still can. One might think that he could miss Kri’at Shema and prayer that day so he can accomplish that which is necessary. The Torah tells us that this is not true, and, in fact, the one who taught this concept was Avraham, as Chazal tell us that it was he who instituted Shacharit (the morning prayer) (Berachot 26b).
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
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.