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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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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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 2
The King of the Kazars, in his search for truth, starts by inviting the philosopher. This is a "crash-course" on Aristotelian philosophy and the reasons why the king is not convinced. Through this dialogue, R. Yehuda HaLevi already foreshadows some of his central ideas that will appear later.
Shavuot "Love of Torah = Love of Israel"- for Shavuot
People often identify Judaism as just a religion, but upon examination, we see, even halachically and explicitly in the siddur, that the Torah is dependent upon Am Yisrael, Jewish nationalism.
Ein Aya The Middle-Child & Anti-Tzni'ut Syndrome- Negative Attention
Although tzni'ut is for men just like women, Rav Kook deals here with the sources in Yishayahu and the Talmud which deals with the special problem of lack of tzni'ut in women's dress and actions, where it's not just a problem of midot and character traits, but also can include practical, social and national ramifications, as well, which caused the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash and exile from Israel. The class continues the previous one (Ayn Aya Shabbat vi, 29), and is a must for all educators and parents of high-school aged and young adults.
P'ninat Mishpat P'NINAT MISHPAT: A Mess of Loans, Repayments and Grievances – part II
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts