YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Shmot
- Tetzave
candelabra - must be of the purest and best available. There is obvious logic to this
requirement. Impure oil will cause the flames to stutter and flicker.
Impure oil also may exude an unpleasant odor and make the task of the
daily cleaning of the oil lamps difficult and inefficient. Yet I feel that
the basic underlying reason for this requirement of purity of the oil lies
in the value that the Torah advances in the performance of all positive
things in life - the necessity to do things correctly, enthusiastically and
with exactitude.
In halachic parlance this is called kavanah - the intent to perform the commandment
and deed properly and in the best possible way. That
is the story of the pure container of oil that is the core of the miraculous
story of Chanuka. The Hasmoneans could have used regular, even impure oil
and still not have violated any strong halachic stricture. Yet the idea of
kavanah, of doing the matter in the best way possible, introduces an element
of special dedication and holiness into what otherwise would be an event of
rote and habit This is what drives the spirit of holiness and eternity that
accompanies the performance of mitzvoth.
So the requirement of the Torah for
the purest possible oil to fuel the holy and eternal menorah - candelabra - is
readily understandable when the concept of kavanah is factored into the
value system of the Torah.
The light of the menorah has never been dimmed over the long history of the
Jewish people. Though the menorah itself has long ago disappeared from the
view of the Jewish public - it was no longer present even in Second Temple
times - the idea of its.light and influence has continued to be present in
Jewish life. The flame is not a tangible item - it is in reality an item of
spirit more than of substance.
It provides light and warmth and
psychological support in very difficult times and circumstances. Yet its
influence and support is somehow directly connected to.the invested
into actually kindling it. That is the import of the words of the rabbis in
Avot that according to the effort invested so is the accomplishment and
reward.
All things spiritual are dependent upon the effort invested in
creating that sense of spirit. The purer the oil, the brighter and firmer
the flame. This simple yet profound message forms the heart of this week's
parsha. It also forms the heart of all values and commandments that the
Torah ordains for us.
The parsha of Tetave speaks to all of us in a direct
and personal fashion. It encompasses all of the goals of Judaism and is thus
in itself the light of spirituality that lights our souls and lives.
Shabat shalom
Rabbi Berel Wein
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
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.