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Beit Midrash
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- Yom Kippur
Regarding the individual’s observance of the day, by Torah law he has two sets of commandments: fasting and refraining from melacha (forbidden work). Keeping to these restrictions is both the fulfillment of a positive mitzva and the avoidance of transgressing a negative mitzva (see Rambam, Shevitat Asor 1: 1, 4). Interestingly, the prohibition of eating is written in the language of a positive commandment (do "innuy," usually translated as self-affliction), and the negative commandment is derived creatively. In the past, we have discussed halachic ramifications of this presentation. This choice of presentation and that of the interrelationship between the two sets of mitzvot also may indicate something about the philosophical nature of the mitzva to fast.
The Sefer Hachinuch (313) says that on Yom Kippur we are supposed to be spiritually minded, whereas eating drags us in the direction of physicality and even sin. The Sefer Hachinuch says the same basic idea about not working, which applies also to many special days during the course of the year. One could change the focus of this approach slightly and say that we are to positively act like holy people, indeed like angels, who do not eat or drink, etc. (see Avot D’Rabbi Natan 37).
Another approach is to view the refraining from eating and drinking as a personal element of service of Hashem, which parallels, to some extent, that which occurs in the Beit Hamikdash. This approach finds poignant expression in the Tefilla Zaka of the Chayei Adam, where we request that the lessening of our blood and fat should be considered as if we brought a korban and placed blood and fats on the altar. According to this approach, while the mitzva is performed by a lack of action, its nature is actually positive in nature. In other words, our fasting is parallel to the positive mitzva to bring a korban. If so, the overlap of this mitzva with that of refraining from work is not as direct.
Rav S.R. Hirsch (Vayikra 16:31) brilliantly connects these two elements found together in the following famous pasuk: "It shall be for you a complete day of cessation (shabbat shabbaton) and you shall afflict yourselves." He points that while other shabbaton’s are for Hashem, this one relates to the person himself. Not only does the Jew give up for a day his life of dominion through creative activity over his surroundings. He also acts in a way that conveys giving up his life, i.e., he refrains from eating and drinking, which are needed to live. In this way, the pasuk connects the elements and builds: act in a manner of extreme humility before Hashem, without viewing yourselves as deserving of all the rights He normally bestows upon us. May we make the most of all the spiritual opportunities of the day.
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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.
