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Gemara: Rav Kahana said: When Rabbi Yishmael the son of Rabbi Yossi became sick, they sent to him [the following message]: "Our master, tell us two or three things that you told us in the name of your father." He sent back: "This is what Father said: …" [The teachings were all about the history of the latter part of the Second Commonwealth.]
Ein Ayah: There is a difference between the study of Torah, which is fundamental within Judaism, and other areas of study, even those that are necessary. All other areas of study that have practical purposes are of value according to their use and the necessity for them. Exaggerating the value of the subject matter is counter-productive. In contrast, the improvement that Torah makes in one who studies it exceeds the practical value of the knowledge he absorbs by virtue of his involvement in Torah study in and of itself, as the pasuk says: "The Torah of his G-d is in his heart" (Tehillim 37:31).
The exact details of national history must be known by some within the nation. The unfolding of events is part of a nation’s heritage, which has a positive impact on the love people have for their nation. However, one cannot compare the value of knowing Jewish history to the value of knowing the intricacies of the Torah. Knowing every detail of the Torah is a special value that emanates from the sanctity of Israel, which separates us from every other nation. That is different from knowledge of national history, which applies to every nation. While it is true that our knowledge of our history is more important than others’ for theirs, that is because of the special role we have in the world.
In summary, knowledge of national history is dear to us, but it is important to be careful to realize that it should not be placed on the same pedestal as the sanctity of the words of Torah. The one exception to this is those historical events which Hashem chose to write directly in the Torah. About these we say that "the words of the servants of the forefathers" are themselves considered words of Torah because the Divine Providence saw fit to include them in the Torah. However, in regard to the basic concept of the recording of events, it must always be remembered that there is a difference between the sacred and the mundane. Then people will not make the mistake of thinking that all matters of Torah are valuable specifically by virtue of their connection to that which is national.
It is important to show that involvement in Torah study is special, beyond the knowledge that it provides. That is why our beracha before Torah study is "… to be involved in the words of Torah." That is not the case regarding history. While our love of the nation makes it important that certain facts about it not be forgotten, that should be done without equating its value to that of Torah.
For that reason, Rabbi Yishmael, who was a repository of historical information transmitted by his father, did not place stress on teaching these matters to his disciples during his lifetime. It was enough that the information would survive, which it did within his mind. It did not pay to waste precious moments of Torah study to share them. However, when he became ill with what was apparently the disease from which he died, and there was a chance that valuable information could become lost for eternity, his disciples requested of him to relay certain matters of history to them.
Shoftim Can a Sheitel be Prohibited Because of Avodah Zarah?
A Background Discussion about the use of Indian Hair
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
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.
