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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Naso
Why, in fact, was Yishmael not chosen, considering that he was the firstborn and that the name he was given by an angel ("Hashem heard" – Bereishit 16:11) indicates a very strong connection to Hashem? In contrast, Yitzchak’s name seems to remind us of the apparently unfortunate laughter of his parents. Also, the revelation came to Yishmael’s mother, Hagar, at B’er Lachai Ro’i , a place that is reminiscent of the Temple Mount, where the root ra’oh is mentioned prominently (see Bereishit 22:14).
The answers to these questions are hinted at in two different sections of the Torah. The Torah relates that Sarah saw Yishmael "metzachek" (the same root as Yitzchak). This prompted her to tell Avraham to cast away Hagar and Yishmael (to which Hashem agreed) because, as Chazal explain, this was a laughter related to severe sin (ibid. 21, 8-9). (In Hemdat Haaretz we explained the positive significance of the name, Yitzchak.)
The second section where we see why the sons of Yishma el did not stand under Har Sinai and declare "naaseh v’nishma " (we will do and hear) is akeidat (the binding of) Yitzchak. Hashem said to Avraham, after he passed the test of being willing to sacrifice his son, that his offspring will be blessed because he listened ( shama ) to Hashem’s voice (ibid. 21:11). Also, Hashem said that "in Yitzchak shall it be called for you an offspring," because Avraham "listened to Hashem’s voice."
There is a difference between Yishmael’s listening and that of our forefathers and our nation. In Yishmael’s case, Hashem listens to Yishmael’s voice, which is unquestionably a distinction. However, our legacy is to follow Avraham - to listen to what Hashem asks of us and be willing to keep His commandments. That is what prepared us to declare: "naaseh v’nishma ."
When Yitzchak felt a need to go down to Egypt during a famine, Hashem told him to stay because he would be blessed with offspring and the Land because Avraham listened to Hashem’s voice. (During the subsequent episode, the word metzachek is also found in a positive context.)
Let us pray that we will merit to be among those who declare "naaseh v’nishma " and tap into the power of our forefathers to listen properly. We should also merit that all will recognize in our days that the Temple Mount is especially holy to the offspring of Yitzchak, the kingdom of priests and a holy nation.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
