YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- D'varim
- Nitzavim
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- D'varim
- Vayelech
The existence of the covenant has caused us much pain and angst throughout the centuries. The other nations of the world harbor resentment against us because of the uniqueness of our relationship to the Creator of all as exemplified by this covenant. Many Jewish thinkers have attributed anti-Semitism in all of its virulent and even more benign forms to a form of jealousy over the existence of God’s covenant with the Jewish people. Nevertheless, the covenant has remained the rock of Jewish self-worth over all of the ages. The knowledge of the existence of the covenant alone has allowed the stubbornness of the Jewish people to be resolute and to maintain our faith and lifestyle even though we are a very small minority in a world of many billions of others. The Torah itself is the very essence of the covenant. It details its terms and conditions and its study helps formulate the covenantal life that Jews are expected to live. And that is why the Torah demands that we study and be aware of this covenant morning and night, traveling and at home, in all times and places. There were and unfortunately still are those amongst us who wish to discard the covenant and its obligations and merely to blend in with the general society that surrounds us. The Lord, so to speak, has many times warned us that He would not allow this to occur. All of Jewish history teaches us regarding the strength and eternity of this great covenant. In the great and good year that is now dawning upon us we should all resolutely renew the covenant in our hearts, minds and actions and be blessed therefore within a year of health, success and serenity.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
