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Ruchama Lea daugther of Chaya Hinda
At the age of three, Abraham came to the conclusion that the world has a creator, smashed his father's idols, and was saved from the fiery furnace in Ur Casdim. He threw himself into the fire in sanctification of God’s name. When he was miraculously saved from death, he began to "make souls," i.e., gather a following which he would teach that the world has a creator.
Abraham took in guests, and when they thanked him, he told them that the world has a Master, and that there is no need to thank him. Via the duties between man and his fellow man, he brought them to an awareness of the duties between man and God, and, later, to the obligation of ransoming captives when he saved Lot. Positive action, though, is not enough; one must also fight evil. Abraham fought against, among other things, the worship of the fire-god Molekh which involved child sacrifice. This was idolatry which also embodied the transgression of both the duties between man and his fellow man and those between man and God.
We can just imagine what was going through Abraham’s mind during those three days on which he journeyed to Mount Moriah to sacrifice his son, Isaac. Upon descending from the mountain, he would have to relate to everybody that he sacrificed his son as a burnt-offering to God. Would not this call into question all of his success in his fight against the worshippers of Molekh in the name of "thou shall not kill"?
This was a very difficult trial, calling his entire life-long struggle into question.
Yet, all the same, "The two of them walked together." Abraham binds and ties Isaac in order not to damage his innocence. He controls himself carefully and exactly.
Rabbi Simcha Bunim of Peshischa, one of the leaders of Chassidic movement, asked the following question: We blow on a ram’s horn on the Day of Judgment in order to awaken the merit of the act of the binding of Isaac. If this is the goal, why do we blow on the ram’s horn which recalls the fact that Isaac was not sacrificed? It would be more appropriate to hold up a slaughtering knife and proclaim that with a similar knife was Abraham ready to sacrifice his son.
The answer is that the blowing of the ram’s horn recalls the words of the Almighty, "Do not harm the lad, and do not do a thing to him." We "remind" the Almighty that, in the end, He was opposed to human sacrifices; we too, today, anticipate the fulfillment of the eternal promise, "Do not harm the lad."
We too, at this time, say, "Enough!" to the evil adversary of death - we pray and request of the Almighty that the sacrifices cease and that we merit a speedy and complete redemption.
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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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 2
The King of the Kazars, in his search for truth, starts by inviting the philosopher. This is a "crash-course" on Aristotelian philosophy and the reasons why the king is not convinced. Through this dialogue, R. Yehuda HaLevi already foreshadows some of his central ideas that will appear later.
Shavuot "Love of Torah = Love of Israel"- for Shavuot
People often identify Judaism as just a religion, but upon examination, we see, even halachically and explicitly in the siddur, that the Torah is dependent upon Am Yisrael, Jewish nationalism.
Ein Aya The Middle-Child & Anti-Tzni'ut Syndrome- Negative Attention
Although tzni'ut is for men just like women, Rav Kook deals here with the sources in Yishayahu and the Talmud which deals with the special problem of lack of tzni'ut in women's dress and actions, where it's not just a problem of midot and character traits, but also can include practical, social and national ramifications, as well, which caused the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash and exile from Israel. The class continues the previous one (Ayn Aya Shabbat vi, 29), and is a must for all educators and parents of high-school aged and young adults.
P'ninat Mishpat P'NINAT MISHPAT: A Mess of Loans, Repayments and Grievances – part II
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts