Yeshiva
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Vayikra
- Bechukotai
Parashat Behukotai
Rashi emphasizes the requirement to "toil in Torah" as being the interpretation of the first verse in Bechukotai. Toiling in Torah has many subtleties associated with it aside from its simple meaning of hard and consistent study. In its broadest sense one can say that the Jew that toils, in no matter what field he or she is toiling, must always do so by associating one’s endeavors with Torah values and behavior. The commandment therefore is not merely restricted to the Talmudic scholars of Israel but is a commandment to be observed by every Jew, no matter what line of work or profession one is engaged in. The life and survival of the Jew and of the Jewish people as a whole is dependent on the presence of Torah values, lifestyle and behavior in all aspects of participation in human society. Toil, in the spiritual sense, is therefore not restricted only to the study hall or to the scholar. The rabbis have taught us, based on the biblical verse, that humans are born to toil; fortunate is the person whose toil is in Torah. Again, in its narrow interpretation this refers to the scholar and student of Torah. But, also again, in its broadest sense it refers to a person who is able to experience and appreciate Torah life and values, no matter his work or profession. A person that feels that the Torah accompanies him everywhere will always be reckoned among those that toil in, with and for the Torah.
Rabbis in Midrash
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 17- "Miracles Don't Make a Messiah (87)
After learning about the unique "mass-revelation" at Sinai, the question was asked: what about the Christian claim that their "messiah also did miracles in front of people. The class summarizes the 3 significant differences between that claim and Israel's "mass-revelation".
