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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Vayikra
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But is it really all THAT bad?
Rashi comments that the blessings at the beginning of the parsha connect to the era of Mashiach. Commenting on the phrase, "And the trees of the field will bear fruit," Rashi clearly wonders, "Hmmmm, trees giving forth fruit; what is so special about that?!" And so he answers, "This refers to the future, when even non-fruit bearing trees will miraculously bear fruit!
As I read this Rashi, I immediately recalled a visit I had taken some time ago to Gush Katif, of blessed memory. There we were shown how, through the marvel of drip-irrigation, Israeli farmers can grow anything, anywhere, anytime! Even in parched desert locales & climates, we saw luscious tomatoes, corn, even pineapples being cultivated, & the technology exported to drought-stricken, starving African nations.
Virtually every day, I am bombarded with e-mails about the latest Israeli inventions & innovations, from non-invasive medical procedures to pocket printers to machines that turn air into water! What once seemed like fanciful science-fiction is today’s Israeli reality.
Gemara Sanhedrin questions why one source says Mashiach will come "on Heavenly clouds," while another source says he will be "a poor man riding on a donkey." The answer is that it all depends upon us: If we have enough merits, then Mashaich will arrive amidst plenty & prosperity, "riding high" into an era of knowledge & devotion to Hashem. But if, chas v’shalom, we are not worthy, Redemption will come only at our lowest point.
The converse of this Gemara is also true: When miraculous-like events are taking place, it is a clear sign that we must be doing something right to deserve it! Of course, there is always Chesed Hashem at work, & we are the grateful recipients of G-d’s giving & generous nature. But when we are flourishing, it indicates that G-d is pleased with our progress, & so is sharing a glimpse of the Geula with us.
So while we shouldn’t break our arm from patting ourselves on the back too much; we shouldn’t be beating ourselves up too much, either!
Rabbi Stewart Weiss
Was ordained at the Hebrew Theological College in Skokie, Illinois, and led congregations in Chicago and Dallas prior to making Aliyah in 1992. He directs the Jewish Outreach Center in Ra'anana, helping to facilitate the spiritual absorption of new olim.
Jewish Laws and Thoughts Shul “etiquette:” can we honor Hashem while respecting our fellow congregants?
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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.
