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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
- Vayera
The Torah tells us that Avraham lived in the Land of the Plishtim for many years (Bereishit 21:34). Avimelech and his general Pichol were the ones who initiated the deal, which stemmed in no small part from their recognition of Avraham’s unique spiritual role. Their statement, "Hashem is with you in all that you do" (ibid. 22) is an admission that Hashem oversees and intervenes in the lives of His creations.
Before Avraham agreed to enter in an agreement with Avimelech, he demanded that Avimelech respond to the fact that his servants stole Avraham’s wells (ibid. 25). One cannot enter into an agreement with a government that does not respect the ownership rights of its constituency.
There is much to learn from Avimelech’s answer: "I did not know who did this matter, and you did not tell me, and I did not even hear of it before today." Several commentators struggle with Avimelech’s apparently rambling answer, looking for significance to its various sections. Afterward, the Torah adds an important point. Avraham took various types of animals and gave them to Avimelech as part of their treaty. This needs explanation: if Avimelech initiated the rapprochement and it is a two-way treaty, then why is it specifically Avraham who offered payment to Avimelech? The following explanation teaches a lot about what was going on.
There are several tasks for a governmental body. The government must provide security both from outside powers and from the abuse of some in society by their counterparts. In order to provide law and order, several steps need to be taken, and it is these that Avimelech addressed. There need to be forces that gather information and warn the authorities of dangers and crimes. Regarding this, Avimelech said: "I did not know who did this matter," i.e., my information gatherers did not report any crime, so I could not act. Another service that a government should provide is to be responsive to the complaints of its citizens. To this he claimed: "… and you did not tell me." Another element is that upon becoming aware of a problem quick action should be taken. To this Avimelech replied: "and I did not even hear of it before today."
The above is from the perspective of the government. What must the citizen do to keep his side of the deal? The most basic obligation is to pay taxes. Paying taxes represents recognition of the dominion of the relevant powers (see Rambam, Gezeilot 5) and doing one’s parts in providing the government with the wherewithal to see to its citizens’ welfare. After Avraham confirmed Avimelech’s recognition of Hashem and his willingness to run a just society, Avraham agreed to be a loyal citizen of the kingdom. His presentation of animals was not only a first payment but a ceremonious recognition of his need to pay taxes.
May the State of Israel succeed in ensuring security from enemies from outside and allow its taxpayers to enjoy pleasant lives without being abused or robbed by unlawful types.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
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.
