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Beit Midrash
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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Amram son of Sultana
When we take a good look at the list of kings of Edom, we see that in addition to the different names, there is also a varied list as to the origin of these kings. One came from Dinhava, while another came from Batzra. One came from Avit, and the next came from Masreika. Chazal took the opportunity to highlight this unceasing changing of dynasties, a phenomenon which is different from that of the kings of Israel. Indeed, which is better, to keep the monarchy in a given blood line or to appoint new kings from different places and backgrounds, according to their qualifications?
From one perspective, a dynasty helps provide stability, yet it can also encourage corruption within the ruling family and enables the ascent to the crown of unfit inheritors. On the other hand, are those who rise to leadership through their own efforts necessarily more moral or fit than their dynastic counterparts?
Yechezkel 27 describes at length a ship made up of parts that came from around the globe. The midrash (Bereishit Rabba 83) says that this is actually a metaphor for the leadership of ancient Edom. The midrash concludes with a prophecy that this kingdom would not flourish forever. The truth is that throughout history, both systems have had their successes and failures. But in our tradition, it is not enough that a king exist, even one who possesses qualities of leadership which would seem to make him likely to succeed at his difficult task. In our tradition, there is value in the selection of a line that has proven itself to possess certain innate qualities that make it fit. The selection of the Land of Israel, the Nation of Israel, the city of Yerushalayim and the place of the Beit Hamikdash are permanent facts based on inherent qualities. Similar is the selection of the dynasty of the House of David.
We pray for the time that the proper inheritor from the House of David will rule over Israel and will replace the dominant role of the sons of Eisav in the chosen city of Yerushalayim.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
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.
