YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Shabbat and Holidays
- Jewish Holidays
- Sukkot
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Hana Bat Haim
One could simply say that the Torah is interested in ecological conservation. Instead of cutting down trees to make fancy schach, we use what is available and would otherwise be discarded. Without rejecting this possibility, we can suggest a more spiritual variation of this theme.
A basic explanation of the idea behind living in a sukka is that it shows our belief that our protection does not come from the strong, permanent house we build. Rather Hashem can protect us in a flimsy dwelling, as He protected our forefathers in the desert. The "festival of the harvest" element of Sukkot (see Shemot 23:16) conveys a theme of thanks for present-day bounty, and the choice of schach may broaden the scope of the thanks. We recognize the good not only of the principle produce, but we demonstrate that we can use even the by-products of that which we grow with Hashem’s help. We should be thankful for even the minor things that are apt to be overlooked. In addition to showing our thanks for agricultural leftovers, we also demonstrate that every little thing can be used for a mitzva. We can use all of our physical resources for worthwhile matters. By means of extension, we can note that we can use all of our personal traits for a mitzva or for our avodat Hashem, in general.
If we take this approach, we can continue with a homiletic analysis of not only what can be used for schach but also that which cannot be used. Schach cannot be still connected to the ground. From a practical perspective, that which is connected is probably intended to continue growing and producing. It would be wasteful to cut such a thing down and use it for a seven-day period. From a spiritual perspective, we may have attributes or attainments that we could use now but are better utilized if we allow them to develop more and "harvest" them later. For example, both in secular and sacred study, there are times that one pursues advanced degrees instead of hurrying to the work place to apply that which was learned on a lower academic level. Furthermore, things that can become tameh (impure) are unfit. This consists mainly of things that are already processed or ready for use. In our sukka we want that which has not been defined for a given purpose, but is open for exploration as to its appropriate use. Indeed, the sukka teaches us to keep our minds open to creative utilization of unknown or under-appreciated, physical and/or spiritual resources.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
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.
