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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Hana Bat Haim
Evidence of this type of practice were uncovered a few years ago in one of the most significant archeological finds in Israel, or the world for that matter. A large altar was found on the eastern slopes of Har Eival, a place that is mentioned prominently in the Torah. It is almost certain that this was the altar that Yehoshua built when Bnei Yisrael entered Eretz Yisrael, as Hashem commanded Moshe. It was on Har Eival that Bnei Yisrael were to, on the day they entered the Land, build an altar, bring sacrifices and write the words of the Torah on stones (Devarim 27: 4-8). This altar, which was used by Bnei Yisrael during the fourteen years of capture and division of the Land was, as we can now see, abandoned and covered in dirt in an orderly manner. This apparently happened when Bnei Yisrael moved the Mishkan to its more permanent location at Shilo, at which point sacrifices became forbidden everywhere but there.
How was this altar constructed? The altar was built in two stages. Originally, sacrifices were brought on the natural ground level, on top of the rocks present at the spot from before. Apparently, after that area was sanctified by the sacrifices, a large altar was built on top of the spot. (The dimensions are almost precisely as they are described in the tractates of Zevachim and Midot and the Rambam’s Laws of Beit Habechira.)
This concept of consecrating and then building has an additional, historical precedent in connection with the shofet, Gidon. First, Gidon was instructed to bring some food to a stone and it was consumed like a sacrifice. Only afterwards did Gidon build a proper altar to Hashem on the spot of the sanctified stone. (Shoftim 6: 10-24).
(We suggest to learn more about these important, archeological finds in Adam Zartel’s book, "Am Nolad." They prove that which the Talmud Yerushalmi says that the Kuttim lied when they raised questions as to the authenticity of our traditions.)
The eternal lesson from these concepts is that any attempt to build holiness requires that there be a process of sanctification and fundamental preparation. Let us pray that we will merit seeing the preparations and the realization of such sanctity.
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.