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Beit Midrash
- Shabbat and Holidays
- Passover - Pesach
- The Haggadah
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Yaakov Ben Behora
Is this what instills in us a sense of freedom? Is this in tune with the spirit of spring, in which we remove our cumbersome winter coverings, step outside, and free ourselves in a manner that allows us to soak in the fresh spring fragrance? Does it not seem that the abundance of restrictions and the exceedingly scrupulous attitude toward Hametz restrain and crush our desire to "flow," and to live freely?
Rabbi Pinchas ben Yair authored an important Baraitha in which he establishes for us the necessary stations on the way to getting closer to God and perfecting one’s character traits. He opens this Baraitha with the attribute of "Zehiruth," which means "caution." "Torah leads to caution." Following this, there is a continuous list of stations through which one must pass before reaching the level of "Ruach HaKodesh," which means Divine Inspiration. "Caution" binds us to the Passover Festival in which we are so careful about every step we take and about even the smallest amount of Hametz. Apparently, Passover is our spiritual station.
And what is meant by the attribute of Caution? Caution is that attribute which allows a person to take note of the dangers in life. The world that we live in is not entirely friendly, and it contains potential dangers. Hametz is the yellow light informing us: "Caution, danger ahead!"
And what exactly is the danger? Hametz represents the physical side of our world, which, when man becomes involved, takes on a face different than that which God originally granted it. It does not remain low and small; rather, it grows, and becomes large. It lifts up its head and has the nerve to demand honorable mention.
We have been through the horrors of Egypt. We are not unlike a prisoner who has been released from the prison cell. The transition to a life of freedom must be made in stages. With every freed prisoner there exists a danger that after years of being denied the taste of freedom, this new luxury might well intoxicate and overwhelm him. Such a scenario might be compared to a poor person suddenly wins the lottery. Studies have shown that such people do not generally become happier.
The same is true of the "exodus" from the winter into the spring. It must be accompanied by a yellow caution sign, with an inner strength which refuses to allow the nature and the external material world to confuse us, which does not allow the scents of spring to intoxicate us. We will not let external beauty to take control of us. We will be stronger than it and know how to make fitting use of it. This, though, is only possible if, when we enter the world of nature, we keep on constant guard of the "yellow light" - caution: Hametz.
Rabbi S. Yossef Weitzen
Rabbi of Psagot settlement, teaches in the Beit El Yeshiva.
Our Role in the Redemption Blending the Wisdom of Age With the Energy of Youth
Translated by Hillel Fendel
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
