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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Vayikra
- Metzora
Rav Neventzal gives another answer, with the help of the gemara (Sota 32b) that explains why the chatat and olah are done in the same place. The gemara says that it is so those who are not intimately involved in the korban will not know whether he is bringing a voluntary korban or whether he sinned and needs atonement. Rav Neventzal posits that we might think that this is not true for a metzora, whose sin that is classically responsible for his physical/spiritual disease is the damaging lashon hara. Yet, stresses the Torah, his dignity, too, is to be preserved as much as possible.
Is a metzora really awarded such privacy?! After all, he must sit outside of the encampment and when people approach him, say "impure! impure!" (Vayikra 13:45-46). We can suggest at least two answers. A simple one is based on the understanding of the gemara (ibid.) that his calling out is for his own direct good, to make people feel bad and seek Divine mercy for him.
However, a second answer may give a little insight into the educational process the Torah employs in his regard. On one hand, while he is in the midst of paying for his crimes and introspecting on his lot, he is to realize the severity of his actions and the unwillingness of religious society to allow such behavior to go on in their midst. However, when his physical status improves and indicates the end to his suffering, he is to be welcomed back in a manner that gives him hope to reenter society as a respected person whose sins are behind him in the eyes of all.
This is similar to the person who requires the punishment of malkot (lashings). The Torah tells that once he has received his allotted number, it is strictly forbidden to add even one more lashing (Devarim 25:3). As a matter of fact, this pasuk is the source for the prohibition to hit anyone. The pasuk continues that if one hits him extra, then "your brother will be defiled before your eyes." Rashi points out: "All day long he is called a rasha, and after he is lashed, he is called your brother."
While no one should enjoy it, there is sometimes a need, in different forms under different circumstances, to punish someone. However, the Torah wants us to remember that we want to get the person to the point where he becomes a full member of society. He should be able to earn back the respect of others and, no less importantly, self-respect.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
