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Beit Midrash
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Ein Ayah:Halachot are decided in one of two ways. One way is straightforward. The simple analysis of the subject matter, the set rules of expounding on the Torah to arrive at clear proofs, or straightforward pure intellectual logic can determine the proper halacha. This is what is meant by the Torah when describing the decisions of the judge in the context of someone with a question who seeks a ruling (Devarim 17:8). There is another level that applies to excellent Torah experts who know the roots of the Torah. They, at times, can arrive at halachic conclusions through a deep understanding of the basis of the Torah, even without sources regarding the details. This is what is referred to in the midrash (Bamidbar Rabba 9:6): "These things I have done, and I have revealed them to Rabbi Akiva and his colleagues." It also corresponds to the kohen, who rules on difficult matters (Devarim, ibid.).
This is why the Rabbis’ yeshiva was compared to a vineyard, whose fruit have two purposes. There is the simple eating, like the fruit described by the Torah, discussing one who enters his friend’s vineyard and eats grapes (Devarim 23:25). A higher-level use is drinking the wine, which is made from the inner content of the grapes. This corresponds to the deeper, hidden derivations that only a select few can access. Those who make these decisions in this manner are referred to by the Torah as "the kohen." Such people, who are able to arrive at conclusions only in the hidden manner, are called by the Zohar (Vayechi 216) workers of the field, who are different from those who are in the vineyard and are able to access knowledge in two ways. The field is a place where one is able to benefit only after he has taken many steps, as we find in the processing of grain. So too, the secrets of the Torah will be understood only after one has undergone much preparation, and before they are "processed," they are unworthy of being spiritual food for the nation.
It is different for the group who gathered in Yavneh to study the rules of the Torah, with all their analytical and practical ways, based on the divine plan to establish testaments and bring light to the nation as its national sun was setting. There, the analytical and the practical joined together. The vineyard was cultivated and the grapes were eaten eagerly, like the known principles of the Torah, while also giving off a "wine of Torah," by uncovering the depth of the divine wisdom.
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.
