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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: Factionalism and unity, when they are intertwined in a proper way, are pillars of happiness and social success. This is true both in the realm of international relations and within a nation, between the different subgroupings within.
Every nation has special qualities, both in the spiritual and in the material realms. There may be a nation that is large and powerful and other nations will be drawn to it. The large nation will do well if it realizes that with all its power, it should not swallow up justice and correct behavior. They should realize that while it is good to unify many powers into one central entity and join under one flag when the flag bearer is spiritually worthy, still all the individual components should preserve their national heritages when their traits are not destructive.
The same phenomenon is true in regard to a metropolitan city, its state’s capital and intellectual center, in relation to the surrounding suburbs and agricultural towns, which visit and impact upon the city. It is important for the members of the central city to recognize the residents of the satellite areas with brotherhood and a spirit of partnership. Thereby it is worthwhile for everyone to turn to the central place as a beacon of light and not try to set up competitive centers, which will cause divisions. The respect the city-dwellers give to the visitors does not have to take away from the residents’ rights in their own cities, whether in material or spiritual matters. With the right attitude, they will even make allowances for the differing customs and viewpoints of the visitors (see Yerushalmi, Pesachim 4:1). They can see what is special in the spiritual and material characteristics of each town while appreciating the importance of drawing all together in unity.
That is what the people of Yerushalayim did in respect to the bringers of bikurim. They referred to them as "our brothers," as those who come with brotherhood to take part in a unifying experience in the central city which also houses the Mountain of Hashem. Despite the element of unity, they referred to them as residents of the place called Ploni, expressing that they have no interest in erasing the significance of their place of origin and recognizing that it is only natural that the visitors take pride in and have affection for their place.
This also serves as practice and a lesson regarding times of world peace, which Israel will yet experience through the Torah whose ways are ways of pleasantness and peace to all nations. The Torah refers to "a foreigner (this pasuk is not referring to a convert), and a resident, and one who lives with you" (Vayikra 25:35). Regarding foreigners living in our Land, we are only careful that they remove any destructive behavior and accept the Noahide Laws. We will not be bothered by longings and affection for his nation and the land of his fathers, which is why he is called a "foreigner." Yet he will be considered a resident in Eretz Yisrael as far as feeling closeness to him and awarding him full civil rights. He should not be told that if he wants to be a resident, he must remove the elements of a foreigner, as the pasuk says that while he is known as a foreigner and a resident, he will live with you. This idea regarding nations is also true regarding cities. The "out-of-towners" are brothers who are closely connected to us even as they remain distinct and connected to their hometown. This is the true and straight peace: "Our brothers, the residents of the place called Ploni, your arrival shall be in peace."
Various Rabbis
Various Rabbis including those of of Yeshivat Bet El, such as Rabbi Chaim Katz, Rabbi Binyamin Bamberger and Rabbi Yitzchak Greenblat and others.
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: A Crown and its Scepter – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 294-5
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
