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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
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The older of the two, Yissachar, became the symbol for generations of one who earned the "crown of Torah." It is no surprise that in the section that deals with the gifts presented by the tribal leaders for the Mishkan, the leader of Yissachar was the second to bring his offerings. He followed right after Yehuda, the overall leader of the nation. The Midrash states that it was Yissachar’s excellence in Torah study that gave them this distinction (Sifrei Zuta 7). This greatness of Yissachar, which is only hinted at in the Torah, finds explicit mention in the Ketuvim: "From the sons of Yissachar, those who know wisdom of the times …" (Divrei Hayamim I 12:33). The midrash comments that this refers to "200 heads of Sanhedrin who came from the tribe of Yissachar" (Bereishit Rabba, Vayechi 99).
The Torah gives the following hint at the relationship between the tribes of the two brothers: "To Zevulun he [Moshe] said: Be happy, Zevulun, as you go out, and Yissachar in your tents" (Devarim 33:8). Chazal tell us (Bereishit Rabba ibid.) that Zevulun used to be involved in commerce and feed Yissachar. Ostensibly, Yissachar was involved in tzura (form, spirituality), which we consider most important, while Zevulun was involved in chomer (material matters), which is just a means at enabling the more important matters. However, looking at the blessings, both of Yaakov (Bereishit 49:13-14) and of Moshe (Devarim 33:18), we notice that Zevulun is mentioned first, even though Yissachar is older. Why?
The greatness of Yissachar can cause possible negative outcomes. One is that the lofty status of Torah scholars (sometimes referred to as kings – see Gittin 62a) can cause haughtiness. The other is that Yissachar may think that Zevulun needs him (for virtue) and he does not need Zevulun. Yissachar’s job is to close himself in quarters where he can concentrate on his studies and this can cause separation from people, which can be problematic in addition to being useful.
Yaakov and Moshe came to say that despite the importance of their holy activities, Yissachar must remember not to be haughty and not to overly separate themselves. "Despite your greatness, Yissachar, there are areas in which you are number two to Zevulun."
Shai Agnon’s short story, "Yissachar and Zevulun" demonstrates in his incisive mode of expression, how the two found each other in Gan Eden. There they found that Yissachar’s tally of Torah study virtues was less than he had thought and that the tally of Zevulun was greater than he thought. In any case, both were virtuous and complemented each other out for the betterment of the nation.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
