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Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: The practices of etiquette have a connection to the nature of a nation, which is related, albeit to varying degrees, to the nature of the land.
It is possible that the tight fastening of a belt demonstrates a situation in which the body is prepared for very hard work. In contrast, for one who is connected to the use of intellect, the situation of girding one’s loins is not the proper one, as he must remove anything constricting from the body so that he can be free like the spirit of logic that elevates him. The Land of Darkness (i.e., Bavel – see Pesachim 34b) is not blessed with an affinity for high-level intellectual inquiry, and therefore its people are more drawn toward a situation that is connected to preparations for physical activities. One such situation is having one’s belt fastened firmly, which shows physical diligence. Eretz Yisrael is different. Its air wisens its inhabitants, and their expected goal is to be learned in the ways of Hashem and to be steeped in intellectual/philosophical inquiry. Only at times, when there is a need, do they enter into physically rigorous activity.
It is true that laziness is the enemy of wisdom and that it is proper for the study of Torah to be accompanied by work (Avot 2:2). Still, though, the lifestyle in Eretz Yisrael is one that draws one into a situation that is more appropriate for the work of the spirit than physical work. This is in line with the pasuk: "This nation I created for Myself; My praises they will tell" (Yeshaya 43:21). The navi speaks positively about a situation in which "foreigners will stand up and will graze your flock, and the sons of strangers will be the farmers, and you will be called the priests of Hashem, the servants of our G-d" (ibid. 61:5-6).
Not only in the times of Mashiach but even in the past, at the time of Shlomo, much of the hard physical work was handed over to non-Jews, who were more naturally inclined toward it. The Israelites, in contrast, were doing great things in the realm of the spirit, in Torah study, ethics, and pursuits of wisdom, whether in the field of practical leadership or purely intellectual matters of Torah and philosophy. This is the special characteristic that Israel has among the nations, as the pasuk says, "His nation belongs to the portion of Hashem" (Devarim 32:9).
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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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.
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.
