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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
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- Bamidbar
- Balak
Bilam led Balak to believe that he was not willing to acquiesce to Balak’s request because Balak had not offered him enough honor and money, and this is a sign that he had great worldly aspirations. On the other hand, Bilam’s explicit words on the matter provide an inspiring message: "If Balak will give me a house-full of gold and silver, I will not be able to transgress the word of Hashem" (Bamidbar 22:18).
After three failed attempts to curse Bnei Yisrael, Balak told Bilam: "Now, run away to your place. I told you that I would honor you, but Hashem has prevented you from receiving honor" (Bamidbar 24:11). Bilam reminded Balak that he had said that no amount of money would enable him to go against the word of Hashem.
Balak’s statement reminds us of a similar statement made by another wicked person, Amatzia, the priest of the forbidden worship in Beit El, where the prophet, Amos, went to warn of the destruction of the Kingdom of Israel. Amatzia told him: "Run away to the Land of Yehuda and eat bread there and there prophesy" (Amos 7:12). What he was telling Amos was to go prophesy in a place where he would be able to make money doing so, not in Beit El where his words were not appreciated, to say the least. Amos’ answer is curious: "I am neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet, rather I am a herdsman and one who examines sycamores, but Hashem took me away from the herds and said to me: ‘Prophesy to my nation, Israel’" (ibid. 14-15). Amos’ answer was more profound than Bilam’s: he was saying that money has nothing to do with his spiritual work, as his livelihood was work in the field.
On this backdrop let us suggest the following guidelines for the rabbinic world. One who serves in a rabbinic position should suffice with his set salary and not request and perhaps even turn down money for additional mitzvot that he gets involved in. Someone who studies Torah and is willing to sacrifice his comforts in order to grow in Torah should accept upon himself that while learning he should set aside significant time for activity on behalf of the community. Likewise he should accept the responsibility that after his studies, he will dedicate years to giving back to the Am Yisrael from that which he was able to attain during his studies. When possible, the highest level is to do what Amos did and not make a livelihood from his Torah studies at all.
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.
