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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- D'varim
- Va'etchanan
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Asher Ben Haim
The Shemot version of Shabbat focuses on the religious, belief-based element of the mitzva. We declare our belief that Hashem created the world. Our parasha’s version stresses the national element, commemorating our emergence from servitude to independence. Rashi cites the Mechilta that the two versions were miraculously said and heard simultaneously. It follows that the religious element and the national one form a single, inseparable entity.
Another mitzva in our parasha, tefillin, highlights the concept of meshing the religious and national motifs. There are two kinds of tefillin, that of the arm and that of the head. Tefillin of the arm is placed near the heart and is preferably kept covered. In that way, it serves as a sign of the personal connection between man and his Master. In contrast, the tefillin of the head demonstrates publicly the connection between Bnei Yisrael and Hashem on a national level. Chazal tell us that the pasuk, "All the nations of the land will see that the name of Hashem is called upon you, and they will fear you," is a reference to those tefillin that are worn proudly on the top of the head (Berachot 6a).
The halachot of tefillin are instructive in demonstrating the nature of these two elements. As with Shabbat, the two tefillin form a harmonious unit, as one is supposed to have both on together. Indeed, one is supposed to be aware of both his personal, spiritual obligation and his national one. But, if need be, either tefillin can be worn alone, for example, if one has an injury to either arm or head that precludes putting them on that part. It is also possible to have only a personal element or only a national one. However, one should realize that either situation (i.e. exile or lack of fulfillment of mitzvot) is an unhealthy one. In fact, the halacha is that when makes an interruption between placing the two tefillin on, it is a sin that makes one unsuitable to take part in the war effort of Bnei Yisrael (Menachot 35b), which requires a healthy synthesis.
Rabbis in Midrash
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Israel and the Nations A Few Minutes & Many Innovative Ideas on Antisemitism & What to do About It
As we approach the High Holidays, this short lecture (18 minutes) deals with the unfortunate situation of how Israel and the Jewish People stand against antisemitism, analyzing its cause according to Rav Kook, and how to deal with the issue pragmatically & via our prayers.
Ha'azinu PURSUIT is PERFECTION
p. Ha'azinu, Shabbat Shuva
Rav Kook deals with the question of the seemingly hopeless nature of Tshuva. For G-d Himself knows that He created us with free will, which inevitably means we will sometimes make mistakes and choose wrong. This can easily be frustrating, freezing us into inaction and ye'ush (loss of hope). If one sins even once, does he chalila have no choice but suicide?! Moreover, our Godly conscience demands justice, righteousness and perfection, but we all know this is impossible, so what's the solution? Rav Kook's innovative thinking, strongly based on chazal (our sages), offers an inciteful and important aspect to this topic, especially this time of year!
Sukkot Bug-Free Sukkah: Essential Halachic and Practical Schach Guide
How to inspect, clean, and store bamboo mats and palm branches to protect your mitzvah and holiday meals.
