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Beit Midrash
- Shabbat and Holidays
- Sukkot
- Arba'at Haminim
• What is a Willow - "A Willow has a red stem, the leaf is long and the edge of the leaf is smooth."
The Rishonim argue how to explain the Gemara which says that there is a Kosher kind of Willow which has a serrated edge. Rashi explains that all of the "teeth" face one direction and the Rambam explains that they are small. The Shulchan Aruch holds like the Rambam.
• What isn’t Arava - Populus isn’t an Arava although it grows next to water and so isn’t an isn’t almond. Although their leaves are similar, both are missing the Arava signs. Acacia saligna isn’t Arava, the leaves are a bit hard and it hasn’t got a red stem.
• Eucalyptus - the Eucalyptus leaves are long and the stem is red. Rabbi Tzvi Pesach Frank says in the name of Maharil Diskin that it’s Kosher as Arava, but most authorities prohibit it because it doesn't grow mostly on water. Eucalyptus is identified by its smell (and Arava according to the Midrash has no smell) and by the smooth edge while Willow leaves are a bit serrated.
• Types of Willow we shouldn’t use - Salix babylonica (Babylon willow or Weeping willow - the stem isn’t red and the "teeth" are sharp. White willow (Salix Alba) has a rough edge and it is better not to use it (This type is common!).
• Truncated - if the top of the Arava is truncated, it isn’t Kosher. A young bud is a clear sign that it is not truncated, though a young bud isn’t necessary.
• Stolen - it is very important to check that the Arava isn’t stolen (from someone's yard or a park), even when used only for the last days (when we can use lended 4 Minim).
• Length - The length of the Arava should be at least 3 Tefachim (24-30 cm).
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
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.
