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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Hana Bat Haim
So we know that wealth is spiritually bad. But is it? The number and prominence of sources that consider wealth one of the greatest possible blessings is staggering. We will suffice with a few. Avraham was promised wealth if he sojourned to the unknown land (Rashi on Bereishit 12:2). One of the two consolations for 400 years of slavery was that Bnei Yisrael would leave with great riches (Bereishit 15:14). King Shlomo was rewarded for his sincerity with riches and honor (Melachim I, 3:13), the same things we ask for monthly in Birkat Hachodesh. So is wealth a blessing or a curse?
Let us answer the question with a question. Is life itself a blessing ... or perhaps a curse? Chazal (Eruvin 13b) come to the conclusion that it would have been preferable for a person had he not been created. BUT, continues the gemara, "now that he has been created, let him look into his deeds." In other words, the greatest gifts are opportunities. They can turn out to be destructive, as we are quite capable of misusing and abusing them. However, we are instructed to safeguard the gifts and concentrate on using them properly. Regarding life, the gemara gave a solution. How does one use gold and other forms of wealth to his true advantage?
Of course, one way is with the mitzva of tzedaka. If we investigate the sources we have already seen and a couple others, we can find other insights. In the aftermath of the accumulation of wealth, Bnei Yisrael formed the Golden Calf. But in the aftermath of that sin, they used their gold and silver very wisely, by building an adorned Tabernacle, through which to commune with Hashem. That, of course, was a wise use of the opportunity presented by masses of precious metals. Revisiting Brit Bein Habetarim (Bereishit 15:14), we can suggest as follows. Bnei Yisrael were to be enslaved for 400 years and then emerge with riches. Part of the need for those riches was to raise their self-image. They were no longer weak slaves; they were suddenly a rich nation, whose oppressors were decimated, as they emerged with endless opportunities. Notice the aforementioned connections between riches and honor. Wealth can also provide one with the stature, independence, and self-confidence to lead. It is even good for a kohen gadol and dayan to be well-off so that they can possess these leadership aids (see Ketubot 105b).
Life’s blessings (including life itself) give a person the opportunity to act in positive and negative ways. Whether rich or poor, we are all blessed in many ways. Let us choose life and use the opportunities prudently.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.