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Beit Midrash
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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Amram son of Sultana
"to cross over and see the good land on the other side of the Jordan River, the good hill country and the Levanon."
The Or Hahayyim (R. Hayyim Ibn Atar) raises two questions concerning this pasuk. First, why did Moshe use the expression "na" ("Eebra na")? Rashi states that na denotes "a request." The Siftei Hakhamim comments, however, that na usually means "now." Why, asks the Or Hahayyim, does Moshe request that he go to Eretz Yisrael "now"? And second, why "cross over and see"? Is it not obvious that when Moshe would enter Eretz Yisrael, he would see it?
To answer these questions, the Or Hahayyim quotes Hazal that Moshe was barred from entering Eretz Yisrael for two reasons.
First , the time had come for Yehoshua to assume leadership, and it is well known that the rule of two leaders cannot overlap for even a second.
And second , Bnei Yisrael were destined to sin and turn away from Hashem, and He would have to punish them for their transgressions. It would be preferable that Hashem destroy the Beit Hamikdash, and not Bnei Yisrael. But, as Hazal say, had Moshe led Bnei Yisrael into Eretz Yisrael and built the Beit Hamikdash, it could never have been destroyed by any nation or people (see Or Hahayyim on Devarim 1:37).
We now understand the use of the terms "na" and "see." Moshe says to Hashem, "Ebrah na ve’er’eh" - let me enter Eretz Yisrael, not as the leader of Bnei Yisrael, but as an ordinary person. I wish only to see the land, not to build anything in it.
Moshe’s love for Eretz Yisrael was so great that he was prepared to forego his position of leadership and forfeit the privilege of building the Beit Hamikdash just for the opportunity of being in Eretz Yisrael.
Certainly the consideration that Jews in the Diaspara give to the difficulties of Aliyah and the sacrifices that must be made for its sake - in many cases exaggerated or perhaps even imagined - pale in comparison with the sacrifice that Moshe Rabbenu was prepared to make for the privilege of entering Eretz Yisrael.
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This is a weekly column contributed by Aloh Naaleh an organization devoted to motivating Jews to make Aliya.
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Rabbis in Midrash
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
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.
