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Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Moshe instituted the beracha of Hazan (on sustenance - the 1st beracha of Birkat Hamazon) when the manna fell; Yehoshua instituted the beracha of Ha’aretz (for the Land of Israel) when Israel entered the Land. David and Shlomo instituted Boneh Yerushalayim (Builder of Jerusalem). Hatov V’hameitiv (He is good and does good) was instituted in Yavneh in reference to those who were killed in Beitar, for the fact that the corpses did not decay and that it became possible to bury them.
Ein Ayah: An idea that connects all of the Torah’s ways is the connection between the individual (prat) and the collective (klal) in a manner that the prat finds his fulfillment within the klal. On one hand, eating lowers a person to the realm of coarse senses and individualistic, animalistic enjoyment. Hashem has us counteract that by preparing a "ladder that is positioned on the ground whose top reaches the Heavens," taking us from the lowness of the prat to the heights of the klal.
Even when building the klal, one begins with pratim, first ensuring the individuals’ physical sustenance before getting to the klal’s physical sustenance. The next step is to bring the individuals into a national individualistic entity that is concerned with its own survival and characteristics. When this is completed, the nation can concern itself with the ultimate klal, as it strives to galvanize together all the nations, as all are created in Hashem’s image.
During the time of exile, torment and dispersion cause concern for the loss of the great hope for the ultimate future, as it requires a strong leading nation at the nucleus of humanity to help improve it. Yet we may be consoled with the promise that even when we are comparable to corpses, we will not lose our individual character. Hashem will keep our spirit alive and we will re-form toward the end of time. We will call out to all in Hashem’s Name so that nothing will prevent the connection between the uniqueness of the individual and the loftiest level of collectiveness.
[These concepts connect to the berachot of Birkat Hamazon.] The beracha on food, which Moshe instituted, deals with personal physical sustenance. On one hand, it is enough to focus in the beginning on the individual, who is the necessary building block of the klal. Moshe’s generation of desert dwellers prepared the nation for all future stages. Thus, they were sustained with the miraculous manna, which became known to all the nations of the world, and other miracles that pointed the way to great future events. The next stage was to enter Eretz Yisrael and become occupied with the natural development of a unique nation, prompting Yehoshua to institute a second beracha. Next, the Kings of Israel built a general spiritual center for the entire nation to which the third beracha corresponds. David wrote the first part, which stresses the Beit Hamikdash’s importance to the national spiritual effort, whereas Shlomo added the piece on "the great and holy house," stressing its ultimate goal to serve all of humanity (see Melachim I, 8:60).
Every Jew should be thankful for his personal food, allowing him to be a part of the klal. He should not be afraid that due to exile, his unique nation is hopeless. That is why the fourth beracha, corresponding to the story of Beitar, was instituted. It is a reminder that the defeated Jewish nation retained its form and dignity. This is a sign that at some time, even in the distant future, rejuvenation will come. Hashem will resurrect our nation at the end of days as He has the power to resurrect the dead. The bodies in Beitar did not decay and smell putrid, which is a sign that we will be able to have a positive impact on others. Thus when we come to eat, we will not be depressed to the point of missing the light of truth. We will remember that Hashem’s grace is on all His creations and thank Him for the food that enables us to reach great spiritual attainments.
Various Rabbis
Various Rabbis including those of of Yeshivat Bet El, such as Rabbi Chaim Katz, Rabbi Binyamin Bamberger and Rabbi Yitzchak Greenblat and others.
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: A Crown and its Scepter – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 294-5
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.
