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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Vayikra
- Shmini
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Yaakov Ben Behora
The Sifra (ad loc.) said that Aharon required atonement for his participation in the sin of the Golden Calf (chet ha’egel), while Bnei Yisrael needed not only atonement for the chet ha’egel but also a goat for the selling of Yosef by their forefathers. (The brothers had slaughtered a goat to disguise their crime and claimed that Yosef had been killed by a wild animal). The commentaries make much of the connection between these two historic sins and the status of Bnei Yisrael in comparison to Aharon. Rabbeinu Bachyei points out that Aharon brought a chatat for his involvement in the chet ha’egel because that is the korban one brings when he violates a serious sin without foreknowledge of sin. Indeed, Aharon felt he had to deal with a no-win situation and had no idea what the results of his participation would be. The olah, on the other hand, is for sins of the heart, including certain premeditated sins (see Ramban on Vayikra 1:4). Thus, it was appropriate for Bnei Yisrael’s role in chet ha’egel.
But the question still begs. Even if these elements of atonement were necessary, it seems a little inappropriate that at the grand opening of the Mishkan, such prominent, public attention was given to some of the most depressing moments in our history. One can answer that there was no choice but to receive atonement before commencing with the service, but it still seems that something could have been arranged earlier or later.
Upon second thought, we can find a very positive message in the korbanot in question. When one has a fragile relationship with an associate, it is prudent to keep points of tension or contention under wraps. Otherwise, the entire relationship could be endangered. But a strong relationship can withstand bumps on the road. Not only is it possible to survive the airing of issues, but it is, at times, wise to do so and clear the air.
Hashem was informing B’nei Yisrael that as serious as the selling of Yosef and the chet ha’egel were, He still loved them enough to maintain His relationship with them. Additionally, with the opening of the Mishkan, they would have an effective, reliable system of making amends for even serious shortcomings. The instruction to make amends sent home the message that indeed there was an opportunity to do so.
While we do not presently have the opportunity to use korbanot to further our relationship with Hashem, we can and should use the gift of mitzvot and tefilla to do so.
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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.