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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah:It is important to realize that Bnei Yisrael is its own distinct and unique entity in the world, with its own special laws. It is not merely due to the needs of a simple religion within which a person tries to draw close to his Maker in actions and thoughts. If the focus were just on the individual, not the nation, there would not be a need for such a separate nation. It would suffice to inculcate the people with a spirit of Torah and attach an emotion of sanctity, as is common among nations, and we could serve Hashem in a manner that is compatible with the service of other nations.
That is why the emissaries talked about going up to a mountain, which symbolizes that which is common among the nations of the world. The foundation of Israel is from Yaakov, who called his place of worship a house (see Pesachim 88a), which is set off from its surroundings by walls. The separations are not just to provide individuals with their own eternal spiritual experience. Rather, Hashem’s idea is for Israel to be a special nation with a special character. Specifically through this standing of uniqueness, when the nation will maximize its spiritual potential in the End of Days, it will bring great light to the whole world.
For this reason, it would be a bad mistake to join in the service of Hashem with other nations before that point, even if the latter accepted basically correct tenets in certain areas of philosophy. This is a mistake that could occur if someone saw the Torah as a religion of the individual, for his personal enrichment, without stressing the idea of the "Torah of Israel."
The mistaken could go and build an altar outside of Eretz Yisrael, which they would find appropriate when this is what their spirits dictate it. Similarly the desire to play a musical instrument is logical when one does not realize that well beyond individualism lies the foundation of the Torah, which can light up the whole world from the light of Israel (see Yeshaya 10:17). The deep personal gain that individuals receive from their Maker stems from the great gift that Hashem will give the Nation of Israel and the whole world. This occurs when Israel stands as a strong nation with special characteristics, when the people will return to Him specifically in the Land of the Forefathers, which they received as an eternal inheritance.
Thus, the part that everyone has in the G-d of Israel is possible only when they join their individual service of Hashem with that of the nation, thereby connecting it to the holiest, most complete spiritual goals. When one distances himself from this connection, he loses his connection to the G-d of Israel as well. Therefore, one must learn and fulfill Torah with a belief in the nation, which is connected to the covenant with Hashem and His Land.
When the people reconfirmed their connection to the national Torah, they emotionally felt the sanctity of the forefathers and the covenant, which explains their weeping. They stated their true desire to avoid the mistake of individualism and committed themselves to the value of the nation in its Land, bringing light to all nations of the world, proclaiming: "We have a part in the G-d of Israel."
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
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.
