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Beit Midrash
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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Hana Bat Chaim
The explicit assertion of proper fulfillment of a mitzva seems unusual. Is it not presumptuous and haughty to praise oneself in such a way? Rishonim already dealt with the problem, and we will bring some of their approaches.
In our times, we have expressions to the effect of, "Talk is cheap." But this is not the Jewish outlook on the ideal or perhaps even the norm. The Sefer Hachinuch explains viduy ma’aser based on the opposite assumption. The crowning glory of mankind, above other creations, is his ability to speak. There are, therefore, people who are particularly fearful of degrading their speech, even when they are less concerned about their actions in the same area. Because of the crucial nature of the mitzva of ma’asrot, the Torah wanted to strengthen the likelihood that they would be given honestly by requiring a clear assertion in the Beit Hamikdash to that effect.
The Abarbanel’s approach seems more in line with our times’ unfortunate realities. He says that the viduy ma’aser encourages one who is dismayed by the prospect of parting with a part of his produce. The person is compensated by the fact that his donations will be duly noted and publicized in no less important and public a place than the Beit Hamikdash.
This approach corroborates a p’sak of the Rashba (Shut I, 681), brought by the Rama (YD 249:13). A member of the community contributed money for the expansion of the local shul and demanded that his gift be mentioned on the building’s wall. The Rashba was asked if the community could deny the demand. He cited precedent from the Talmud and even from Tanach, which regularly mentioned those who did good deeds by name, as evidence that it is proper to reward those who do mitzvot by publicizing those mitzvot.
However, even after seeing the Rashba, one may still claim that it seems unfortunate that the ulterior motive of public acknowledgment should be necessary on such an ongoing basis. Further study of the p’sukim may uncover why it is particularly appropriate in this context. The Torah describes the recipients of the ma’asrot with the words, "They will eat in your gates and be satiated" (26:12). Who says that by giving a tenth of one’s produce to the poor, they will reach the point of satiation? Apparently, the Torah is describing a higher level of giving than the mandatory tenth on the third and sixth years. It is indeed appropriate to allow people to publicize their gift in order to encourage them to give on such a high level.
We should note that the Jewish people have gone beyond the call of duty throughout the generations to use their wealth for good causes. Ya’akov Avinu promised a tenth from everything he would receive to Hashem, even when the Torah required it only from a few types of produce. To this day, many pious Jews fulfill the custom of ma’aser kesafim without resorting to various legitimate leniencies.
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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.
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.