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Beit Midrash
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- Parashat Hashavua
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Before we present a thesis, let us note a few more things. Usually covenants include two sides’ mutual commitments, yet here we are aware only of Hashem’s commitment. It is also not clear who the other side is. While we would think it is Noach, representing mankind, the Torah stresses (four times) "kol basar" (all flesh). When the Torah said that Hashem "saw that all flesh was corrupted" (Bereishit 6:11-12), Rashi says that it refers to the animal kingdom (regarding their inter-species relations). The overlap of the term kol basar and the idea of seeing links the two narratives.
The idea of seeing is stressed again in the next story. Noach became intoxicated and was lying undressed in his tent. His son, Cham, saw and did something for which his father cursed him. The main approach in Chazal is that Cham committed sodomy on his father. In contrast to him, his brothers came in to cover Noach without seeing his nakedness (ibid. 8: 20-24). We see that the difference between being fit to properly rebuild the world and not, depends on how one sees and is seen.
When describing incest, the Torah sometimes refers to it as "seeing her nakedness" (Vayikra 20:17; see also Eicha 1:8). This is also the source for the aforementioned assumption that the sin that Cham committed had to do with illicit intimacy, in this case, with another male and a father. The word keshet (bow), which can refer to a rainbow or the bow of a bow and arrow also has special significance in this context. Yaakov said about Yosef, "His bow was firmly emplaced" (Bereishit 49:24) to hint that he did not allow himself to be seduced by Potiphar’s wife.
Putting all our observations together we come up with the following. The idea of the rainbow was not that it was created for the brit. Rather it represented that the inhabitants of the world accepted, as their part in the covenant, to rein in the rampant tendency toward illicit relations that existed before the flood. Thus, it is not a new phenomenon or a reminder to Hashem, who does not forget. Rather it forms the basis for what the world needs to know is a basic foundation of the covenant with Hashem that ensures their survival. Certainly one does not choose a "partner" who is already married to another man, who is of the same gender, or is a close relative. When Cham broke this part of the covenant, there was a need for an updating of the covenant, whereby Hashem forged a special relationship with Avraham, as we will discuss next week.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 2
The King of the Kazars, in his search for truth, starts by inviting the philosopher. This is a "crash-course" on Aristotelian philosophy and the reasons why the king is not convinced. Through this dialogue, R. Yehuda HaLevi already foreshadows some of his central ideas that will appear later.
Shavuot "Love of Torah = Love of Israel"- for Shavuot
People often identify Judaism as just a religion, but upon examination, we see, even halachically and explicitly in the siddur, that the Torah is dependent upon Am Yisrael, Jewish nationalism.
Ein Aya The Middle-Child & Anti-Tzni'ut Syndrome- Negative Attention
Although tzni'ut is for men just like women, Rav Kook deals here with the sources in Yishayahu and the Talmud which deals with the special problem of lack of tzni'ut in women's dress and actions, where it's not just a problem of midot and character traits, but also can include practical, social and national ramifications, as well, which caused the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash and exile from Israel. The class continues the previous one (Ayn Aya Shabbat vi, 29), and is a must for all educators and parents of high-school aged and young adults.
P'ninat Mishpat P'NINAT MISHPAT: A Mess of Loans, Repayments and Grievances – part II
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts