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Beit Midrash
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The "wedding" between the Jewish Nation and Hashem symbolizes a situation of special closeness that we all strive to actualize. This could have happened when Moshe descended Sinai with the Tablets of the Covenant. Sadly, Moshe broke them because, instead of hearing the sound of rejoicing of "beloved friends," he and Yehoshua heard "the sound of the nation as it did evil" and "the sound of affliction" (Shemot 32:17-18). The midrash (Shemot Rabba, Ki Tisa 43) likens the episode to a friend of a bride and groom who was sent to finalize their betrothal, but when the bride was guilty of betrayal, protected her by destroying the evidence of the betrothal. Thus, Moshe, in a manner of speaking, called off the wedding … in the meantime.
In the framework of the negotiations to renew the relationship through repentance and forgiveness, the Torah states: "Hashem spoke to Moshe face-to-face as one speaks to his friend" (Shemot 33:11). "Face-to-face" is a state of special closeness, without which a wedding is not a wedding. Moshe was not satisfied with his own connection with Hashem and beseeched Hashem that His close relationship extend to the whole nation, as he said: "If your face does not go, do not take us from here" (ibid. 15).
Hashem accepted Moshe’s plea, and on Yom Kippur the second Tablets were given, and the "marriage" process was restarted. The end of the marriage was on Sukkot, a few days later, which served as a week of Sheva Berachot of sorts, culminating in Hoshana Rabba, which contains elements of Yom Kippur.
The section of Tehillim that we recite during this period ("L’Dovid Hashem Ori V’yishi") contains references to many of these motifs: "To You my heart said: ‘Seek my face;’ I will seek Your face, Hashem. Do not hide Your face from me" (Tehillim 27:8-9). David asked to be close to Hashem. Moshe got even closer, and was under the canopy, so to speak, when Hashem "covered him with His hand" (Shemot 33:22). Yet, he was only able to see "Hashem’s back" and not "His face" (ibid. 23). Along those lines, David asked to be "in His booth" and "His tent" (Tehillim 27:5).
Let us pray that in the upcoming weeks we will merit a favorable judgment on Rosh Hashana, experience His forgiveness on Yom Kippur, and be with the Divine Presence in the sukka, where we will seek Hashem’s face and hopefully receive it.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
