Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah:Pappus thought that since the Romans displayed their hatred to the Jews only in relation to the Jews’ spirituality, it was worthwhile to hide the spiritual light so that the hatred would die down. When the Romans would then ease their harsh treatment of the Jews, they could return to their spiritual legacy over time.
However, Rabbi Akiva knew that the matters of Torah and spirituality were not the source of the hatred but a cover for a simple hatred of one nation toward another, as the Romans felt that "it is I, and there is no one but me." They wanted to take everything good for themselves. Thus, if they would not have the excuse of the Torah and religion, they would find another excuse for decrees. Even if all excuses would run out (which is unfeasible), they would be oppressive without a reason.
Therefore, said Rabbi Akiva, we need to strengthen ourselves on a true national level, which is achieved only through Torah. That is the message of the parable. If we have problems when we find strength in Torah, if we weaken our connection to Torah, certainly we are helpless. This is true throughout the ages. If we give up our strong connection to Torah and try to embrace other national values, which do not have the same fundamental ability to give us power, we certainly will not succeed in removing the hatred of other nations and will lack the power to oppose them.
Forms of Benefit from Torah Scholarship
Various Rabbis | 5774
When Even Rav Kook Identifies a Jew as Evil
Ein Aya Shabbat 5,22
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Nissan 5783
Transience and Purity
Various Rabbis | 5769
Who Cares Who Said What?! Why Rabbis Always Quote
Ein Aya Shabbat 5,13
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Shvat 5783
Various Rabbis
Various Rabbis including those of of Yeshivat Bet El, such as Rabbi Chaim Katz, Rabbi Binyamin Bamberger and Rabbi Yitzchak Greenblat and others.
Status of Child of Woman Who Had Civil Marriage
5770
Responsibilities Based on Different Modes of Influence
Sivan 26 5777
Moreshet Shaul: A Crown and its Scepter – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 294-5
Av 5785
