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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Shmot
- Yitro
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Yaakov Ben Behora
At Har Sinai, Hashem inculcated in Bnei Yisrael the fundamental belief in a single and singular G-d. For this unique moment in history, "He who sits in the hidden heights" revealed Himself to the entirety of His chosen nation. While Hashem remained beyond the ability of a human being to see (Shemot 33:20), His Presence was evident in a palpable manner to an unprecedented degree (Shemot 20:14). From that point on, the perturbing question has been echoing in the world: where does one search for Hashem? Can He be found within us ("From my flesh I shall see Hashem"- Iyov 19:26)? Or is He out of our reach (High above High- Kohelet 5:7)?
Our haftara contains the famous pasuk, "they called one to the other and said: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts; the world is full of his presence’" (Yeshaya 6:3). Anshei K’nesset Hagedola inserted this pasuk into more parts of the tefilla than any other pasuk. It is also found in the most central positions within the tefilla, leading up to Kriat Shma, in the midst of Kedusha, and in Kedusha D’sidra. What is so special about this pasuk?
The pasuk starts with "kadosh" (holy) to describe Hashem. This refers to distance from Him, to fear, justice, and that which is forbidden. In the framework of these concepts, the mind and cold analysis reign supreme. On the other hand, the pasuk concludes with "k’vodo." (His glory). This refers to Divine Revelation and, with it, to closeness, love, mercy, and that which is permissible. In this realm, feeling and a warm relationship are the leading elements. The tension between these apparently competing motifs is alluded to in the pasuk, "You shall make for Me a holy place (mikdash), and I shall dwell among them." The mikdash is a place where one must practice strict laws to preserve its sanctity, yet it is also a place that enables Hashem to enter the personal realm of every individual ("dwell among them").
Which of these approaches to Hashem, of distance or closeness, is more Jewish? The answer is that both are. All Jews should serve Hashem in both frameworks. However, different Jews put a greater or lesser stress on one or the other. There is no absolute right or wrong. It depends on what suits the individual’s personality and enables him to serve Hashem in the most complete way he can. It is especially critical that parents choose an educational approach that suits each child’s spiritual profile. One child thrives in an open atmosphere, while another benefits from discipline, etc.
We can illustrate this concept with a geometrical example. An ellipse is a figure with two foci. All points on the ellipse share the same sum-total distance from the two foci, while one is closer to one focus, and another closer to the other focus. So too, in or spiritual life, fear of Hashem and closeness to Him are the foci. Two Jews need not be in the same location. Rather, every Jew has his place on the ellipse. We must become accustomed to respecting other Jews who occupy a different location than we are used to.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.