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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Amram son of Sultana
Rashi explains that self-mutilation over the death of a relative is not appropriate for the sons of Hashem, who must remain unblemished. This implies that if not for the high level of dignity we must maintain, it could be appropriate to show grief by damaging the body. But we must suffice with tearing our garments and other, tame acts of mourning. The Ramban connects the logic that "princes" must maintain dignity with the presentation of these laws elsewhere. In Vayikra (21:5), these prohibitions are written as if they apply only to kohanim. Indeed, although we are no kohanim, as children of Hashem, we have elements of kehuna, as well (see Shemot 19:6).
Seforno takes a different approach to the relevance, in this context, of our connection to Hashem. He says that one should not be pained to the fullest extreme by the loss of a close relative, in light of the fact that our most valuable relationship, that with our Father in Heaven, remains intact. Rephrasing this idea, we should note that, while it is sadly possible that one is orphaned from both parents, he always maintain one of the three partners in his creation (see Kiddushin 30b). The more one feels a meaningful connection with his Maker, the more likely he is to feel solace. Perhaps part of the intent behind the prohibition on a mourner's self-mutilation is to remind one who has not fully internalized the idea that he is Hashem's son.
At times, Chazal derive a halacha from the wording of a pasuk in a way that seems unrelated to the pasuk's simple meaning. One example is this pasuk of "lo titgod'du." The gemara (Yevamot 14a) derives from here that people should not form groups (agudot), in a manner that one group acts conspicuously differently from others in its area on halachic matters. At first glance, the drasha is based just on a play on words. However, based on Seforno's approach to the pasuk, there is a fundamental, underlying message that unites the two laws of lo titigod'du. If we are all connected to Hashem as sons, then we are brothers. As such, we should avoid acting in a way that antagonizes each other and causes familial strife. It is particularly inappropriate that our obligations to our Father, as delineated by halacha, which should unite us, will be the root cause of the discord among us.
As we end the month of destruction, caused by unnecessary hatred, and approach the month of religious soul-searching, we need to contend with a dilemma. How do we act in a religiously elevating manner, according to our own personal needs and views, without our approach causing resentment in the eyes of other sons of Hashem, who act or view things differently?
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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.
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.
