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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- D'varim
- Re'e
For a long period of its history the Jewish people had the advantage of having prophets see the future, the right and wrong, the good and the bad, for them. But we must note that the Jewish people frittered away this gift simply by ignoring what the prophets had to say. As the prophet himself states: "And I made your young men prophets but you ordered them to desist from prophesying." It is common in human nature to rather stumble along sightless than to glimpse the future good, because truly seeing that future imposes upon one obligations and a change in lifestyle and behavior patterns that one is loath to fulfill. And since it is also very difficult for humans to admit past or present error the chances for unpleasant happenings in the future because of improper present behavior and policies are omnipresent. The entire book of Dvarim is essentially devoted to this issue - the sad consequences of bad behavior and how this affects future generations. Moshe’s frustration is almost palpable in his warnings to Israel. For if there was ever anyone who could see and behold it was Moshe, the greatest of all prophets. Every parent is aware of this sad frustration when one is aware of an erroneous decision by a child but is powerless to prevent its occurrence and its consequences. We can only hope that the eyesight of our generation will improve.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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Israel and the Nations A Few Minutes & Many Innovative Ideas on Antisemitism & What to do About It
As we approach the High Holidays, this short lecture (18 minutes) deals with the unfortunate situation of how Israel and the Jewish People stand against antisemitism, analyzing its cause according to Rav Kook, and how to deal with the issue pragmatically & via our prayers.
Ha'azinu PURSUIT is PERFECTION
p. Ha'azinu, Shabbat Shuva
Rav Kook deals with the question of the seemingly hopeless nature of Tshuva. For G-d Himself knows that He created us with free will, which inevitably means we will sometimes make mistakes and choose wrong. This can easily be frustrating, freezing us into inaction and ye'ush (loss of hope). If one sins even once, does he chalila have no choice but suicide?! Moreover, our Godly conscience demands justice, righteousness and perfection, but we all know this is impossible, so what's the solution? Rav Kook's innovative thinking, strongly based on chazal (our sages), offers an inciteful and important aspect to this topic, especially this time of year!
Sukkot Bug-Free Sukkah: Essential Halachic and Practical Schach Guide
How to inspect, clean, and store bamboo mats and palm branches to protect your mitzvah and holiday meals.
