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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
- Vayera
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Amram son of Sultana
So what lesson can we learn by examining the two "episodes" together? What does the second word of the phrase, "lecha," mean? The midrash (cited by Rashi, Bereishit 12:1) says that it means, for your benefit. In other words, the journey to the unknown land (which turns out to be C’na’an) will bring great rewards. Indeed, Avram received riches and notoriety in his times, with ramifications for future generations. It was there that his beloved, barren wife finally gave birth to a son, who would carry on Avram’s legacy. He received Malkitzedek, King of Shalem’s blessing and negotiated successfully with the regional powers of Egypt and Pelishtim. Avram took on the allied forces of Mesopotamia and emerged victorious in the first world war. According to the midrash, he even took the princesses of neighboring countries as wives, from whom he fathered entire nations. From a strategic and worldly perspective, the promise of fame, riches and descendants is fully kept.
Let us look at the second command, "Lech lecha." Coming a few decades later, with all of the successes under his belt, the second journey to Akeidat Yitzchak promised to erase almost everything he had gained. The son who was to continue his legacy was to be slaughtered, before begetting the next generation. The most respected man in the world was to turn into the laughing stock of mankind. Who would want to be blessed by association with the man who, after waiting a lifetime for a son, one who was born miraculously, would slaughter him for no apparent reason? Avraham proved that his willingness to fulfill Hashem’s instructions some decades before was not because it was "for your benefit," but that his response (ibid. 22:1) "hinení" (here I am) displayed his unconditional willingness to do the Divine Will.
After proving that his ability to obey was unconnected to his apparent personal welfare, Hashem took the opportunity to bless Avraham again (ibid. 17-18). This time there would be no question if the blessing were the reason for his dedication to Hashem. It was granted after passing the hardest of all tests, without the promise of benefit and satisfaction in hand. It is fitting that this great moment took place at the site where all of mankind would be able to worship, sacrifice to, and draw close to Hashem.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
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.