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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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
Rabbis in Midrash
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
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.
