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Beit Midrash
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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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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.
