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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
- Vayera
The midrash (Midrash Aggada, Vayeira 18) explains the importance of Hashem’s notification to Avraham. It relates to Hashem the following sentiment: "I gave this whole Land to Avraham, and now I want to destroy five of its cities due to their sins. If I do not tell him, he will be able to say that I backed out of My commitment." The midrash does not tell us what lesson we learn from this conversation or what the connection is to the description of Avraham’s educational legacy. We will try to do this through other passages in Chazal.
At the end of Sefer Shmuel, the navi deals with a difficult episode in the life of David. A strong famine was afflicting the Land after the death of Shaul; David became aware that it was due to the mistreatment by King Shaul of the Givonim, who were not part of the Israelite nation. David approached them with an inquiry as to what could be done to appease them so that they would pray for the welfare of society. Their frightening request was to have seven of Shaul’s descendants given to them to be killed and displayed publicly (Shmuel II, 21: 2-6). Only harsh revenge and not some other form of compensation or appeasement sufficed for them. While David was compelled to accept these demands, the episode brought him to a decision that impacted on all generations. The Givonim would not be allowed to marry into general Jewish society, even though they underwent the conversion process (see Shulchan Aruch, Even Haezer 4:2). The gemara (Yevamot 79a) explains David’s rationale, which seems strange considering that Hashem supported their right to make the demand that they did. The Jewish people have three qualities: the people are merciful (rachamanim), bashful, and do acts of kindness (the pasuk brought as evidence is the above pasuk about Avraham). Those who do not share such qualities are not fit to join. Rashi (ad loc.) explains that the Givonim had shown that they were not merciful.
Rashi teaches us that rachamim is not just to feel bad for the weak and oppressed. Rachamim applies to forgiving those who harmed them and deserve punishment yet ask to be given the opportunity to appease their victims and be forgiven. Avraham, on the other hand, was the clear contrast. He tried to save the evil people of S’dom and succeeded in saving Lot, his nephew who had upset him. He internalized the message of forgiveness, whether it be of family members with whom one quarreled or another who harmed him. That is why Hashem’s beloved Avraham was the father of the nation of merciful, bashful doers of kindness.
May this national quality find increasingly active expression in our present-day Israeli society.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
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.