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Beit Midrash
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- Ein Ayah
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Ein Ayah: Eating meat is somewhat distant from the way of the Torah, and it is a concession to the yetzer hara when people have a craving for it (see Devarim 12:20). More fundamentally, man needs meat to strengthen himself, which is crucial for his physical and spiritual success. Were it only for physical success, eating meat would still be immoral in relation to the animal kingdom, but since spiritual advancement will lead to an eventual progression toward world spirituality that will encompass animals, it is fair to partake of animal meat until that historic stage is reached. It is therefore most appropriate for meat to be eaten in the context of an increase in wisdom, and it is problematic for an utterly non-spiritual person to eat meat (see Pesachim 49b). That is why the Torah instructed to give specifically meat to kohanim (the only other species that the Torah, not the Rabbis, required to be given to kohanim are grain, wine, and olive oil), as cow meat is particularly capable of spawning deep thought (Bava Kama 72a).
There are two special elements to acquiring the Torah taught by a scholar of historic proportions: the wisdom itself, and the clearer picture it gives of the holy Torah personality, which is collected from the sparks emanating from his various teachings. That is why one who helps complete a disciple’s picture of his master by providing a missing piece of knowledge deserves to receive a double portion [as Rav Chisda gave].
The first teaching Rava told captures the idea that it is better to sacrifice the personal high level of doing acts of kindness without external gain in order to allow the world to be improved by allowing the recipient to experience gratitude, an attribute that can affect the masses. This spiritual sacrifice is reminiscent of the great person’s eating of meat so that he can have strength even though he feels guilty for causing an animal’s death, as we expect a great person to feel (see Bava Metzia 85a).
The excitement Rav Chisda felt for the teachings of his great master, Rav, showed that he was fit for the thoughts of Rav and that they allowed him to grow from and implement them practically. This is not to be taken for granted, as there are different paths of wisdom to which different scholars gravitate, and one should follow his feeling. That is why Rava related another teaching of Rav by equating Rav Chisda’s connection to that of one who is used to wearing a certain fine garment, which is a level beyond just owning the clothing.
Rav Chisda was even more taken by Rava’s second teaching in Rav’s name because it related not only to an intellectual teaching but to a practical one, which is the highest utilization of his master’s teachings. It would have been most appropriate to capture the specialness of learning this new teaching by performing an action – giving a present to Rava – which Rav Chisda lamented he was unable to do at that time. However, the feeling of wanting to do so stemmed from a feeling of natural sanctity and an internal inclination.
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.
