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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Gemara:
Rabba bar bar Chana was travelling in a caravan. He ate and forgot to bentch. [After they departed] he said [to himself]: What shall I do? If I tell them that I forgot to bentch, they will tell me that wherever I bentch I am blessing Hashem. He said to them: "Wait for me because I have forgotten a dove of gold." He went back, bentched, returned, and found a dove of gold.
Ein Ayah: There is a difference regarding the nature of fulfilling mitzvot between the common person and the great thinking person who investigates the essence of everything related to the mitzva. The common person understands the mitzvot in a general type of way, as a reminder that we are servants to our Master, Hashem, but does not subscribe importance to the details. This is in line with the statement, "An ignorant person cannot be a pious person." This is why the other members of the caravan would not have appreciated the detail of going back to the place of eating. In contrast, a wise person understands that mitzvot impact on the world and appreciates them as great natural powers, which act on behalf of those who know how to follow them properly.
[Let us understand the idea behind Rabba’s claim about losing a golden dove.] One of the techniques of a wise person is to use riddles and parables (see Mishlei 1:6) that can be understood on different levels. The same statement can impact the general populace on their undiscerning level and enable someone who has reached a higher level to uncover a far deeper message. Both benefits are significant. Rabba’s invocation of the golden dove in concealed reference to the need to bentch where he ate was able to include a double meaning, as well. In this way Rabba fulfilled the pasuk (Yeshaya 40:8), "The hay will dry and the flower will wilt, but the word of our Lord will remain forever." Even that which corresponds to the hay and the flower, when it is in the way of Hashem, will always have meaning.
The following is what Rabba bar bar Chana intended to say, on his level, with the matter of the golden dove. The idea of returning to bentch where one ate is to bestow spiritual strength upon the matter of physical strength. Gold is something that is extracted from the depths of the ground. Gold in the form of a dove hints at the idea that the same earthen gold now has the power to fly high. So too the physical world, which can be related to very lowly things, can be spiritually elevated, when something holy like Birkat Hamazon adds its sanctity. The human spirit yearns to elevate itself above the physical world. When it is connected to the physical world and the light of sanctity shines upon it, it wants to fly like a bird to a greater closeness to Hashem. Since Rabba’s counterparts in the caravan could not understand that, it was proper that he would find an actual dove of gold [so that his statement would not be a lie from the perspective of their level].
This type of double meaning can be found regarding all the good ideas found in the words of the prophets. The ideas had to be cloaked in the lower images that simple people could understand, which themselves are valuable. There can be seven meanings to one illustration, and none is contradictory to the other but strengthens the other.
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 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.
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.
