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Beit Midrash
- Shabbat and Holidays
- Rosh Hashana
- The Essence of Rosh Hashana
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Le'a Bat Rachma
It seems strange that such a fundamental concept is based on a pasuk from Tehillim, not from the Torah itself. However, further study shows how the whole perek in Tehillim reveals the Torah source for this identification of the Divine Day of Judgment. The p’sukim continue to discuss the travails of Yosef as he was freed from prison to become a leader of Egypt. The juxtaposition of Rosh Hashana’s status as a day of judgment and Yosef’s freedom from prison indicated to Chazal that Yosef left prison on Rosh Hashana (ibid.11a).
We know that Yosef suffered terribly in prison (Tehillim 105:18 & Rashi). The midrash (Tanchuma, Mikeitz 1) tells us that Yosef had to suffer in jail for two extra years, because he trusted in the sar hamashkim (butler), not in G-d, and twice told the butler to keep him in mind, "think of me with yourself"...and "remind Paroh of me" (Genesis 40:14). It is difficult to understand why it was a lack of faith in Hashem for Yosef to ask the butler to help him. After all, their friendship seems Divinely ordained for this reason, as Hashem gave Yosef the wisdom to decipher the butler’s dream. Furthermore, what is the meaning of "v’hizkirtani," remind Paroh of me? Did Paroh know Yosef from before?
After further analysis of the word "v’hizkirtani," perhaps we will be able to see that Yosef was more than simply telling the butler to remember him. In Shmuel (II, 8:16) it mentions the position of Yehoshafat Ben Achilud, the "mazkir." The Rishonim try to understand the meaning of this position. Rashi explains that he would keep track of the order in which cases came to be judged. Radak explains that he was in charge of the chronicles. According to both, it seems strange that such a junior position would be mentioned among the list of important officers in the government of David and Shlomo Hamelech.
The Ramban (Drashot on Rosh Hashana) explains that the root "zachor" has two meanings. In the grammatical case, kal, it means, "to remember." But in hifil it refers to judicial matters (see the Ramban for examples). Therefore, Yom Hazikaron (Vayikra 23:24) identifies Rosh Hashana as a day of judgment.
Let us return to Yosef, with the Ramban’s insight in hand. Yosef is not simply asking the butler to mention him to Paroh, rather, he is asking to appeal his case in his idolatrous courthouse. This is particularly improper as it took place on Rosh Hashana, when the Divine Judge is sitting in judgment. Now we also understand the importance of Yehoshafat’s position. He was the head of the legal system and set its agenda, which is certainly worthy of mention. His name (literally, Hashem shall judge) is also appropriate for his responsibilities.
Let us pray that on this Day of Judgment, Hashem, the master of all judges, will grant us a year of life and goodness.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
