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Beit Midrash
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Two sources of life for the tree: it draws from the moisture of the ground, and absorbs the forces that are embedded in the soil from which it grows; its roots, they assure its certainty in standing against any wind. At its tree-top, the tree enjoys the light and the dancing rays of the sun; on its side, flowers emerge luring the bees to fertilise them.
Two movements of the tree: growth downward, towards the water, towards the soil, from which it grows, and growth upward, towards the sun, from which it derives its life-giving and nourishing warmth and light.
The roots and the tree-top at the extremities of the tree are balanced. As the size of the roots, so is the measure of its branches and leaves. Without roots, any ordinary wind will bend the tree and break it. Without the tree-top, the tree remains - dry wood.
Within the tree, there is a direct connection of moisture between the roots and its tree-top. That same bond between the roots and the leaves, is the very force that guarantees the tree its life. Cut off that bond, and the tree will be destroyed (cut-off and dried out).
Every Jew is like the tree of the field. He is rooted in the solid ground of his ancestors’ legacy, roots of soul and tradition, and turns his head upwards yearning higher and yet higher heavenward. Ancestors’ legacy and love of G-od are those that guarantee the life of man - the tree - within the people of Israel.
The moisture, the water within the tree, is, for the Jew, the wisdom of the Torah. The words of the Torah are compared to water: "It is a tree of life for those who grasp it" (Proverbs 3,18).
T"U BiSHVAT is the New Year of trees, "since most of the year’s rain had ceased" (Babylonian Talmud, Rosh HaShana 14a). The roots of the tree have already become satisfied from the water which came from below, and the tree-top’s leaves start to sprout. They demonstrate and confirm that indeed, a bond exists between the roots and the leaves; between our ancient beginnings and the renewal of our sublime aspirations; between the Lower and the Higher; between Earth and G-od’s Heaven above.
From the book: In the Wake of Festivals and Solemn Days
Thoughts on the Festivals and the Weekly Haftaroth .
By: Rabbi Yerachmiel Yaakov (Eugene Jacob) Duschinsky zt"l, Av-Beth-Din South Africa.
Sefer-Hermon Press, New-York, 1982.
Translated from the original Hebrew by Rabbi Ron Hoffberg and Rabbi Michael Dushinsky,
B"H, Shevat 5764, February 2004, Prague, Czech Republic.
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.
