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Beit Midrash
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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Asher Ben Haim
The Sefat Emet (Sukkot 5643) teaches us another element of the link between the actions of forefathers and those of descendants that is very worthwhile to consider. He writes that the command to Avram to travel away from his dwelling place is the model for similar phenomena later in history. Bnei Yisrael went out into a barren wilderness after leaving Egypt, demonstrating a similar strength. Furthermore, all subsequent generations of our nation leave their permanent homes to live in the temporary dwelling of a sukka. This is done, he says, after the "re-birth" and purifying experience of Yom Kippur, which gives all Jews the desire to be drawn after Hashem.
This explanation goes beyond the Ramban’s applications of fathers being signs for children in the following way. The Sefat Emet posits that later generations can relive that which the forefathers were commanded and fulfilled in the past by following the mitzvot of the present. Just as Avram gave up his sense of stability by traveling to a new place, so a Jew does when he leaves the house for the sukka. The Sefat Emet brings the pasuk in Yirmiya that Hashem remembers the "chesed of your youth" to recall how Bnei Yisrael had entered a dangerous wilderness at the time of Moshe. "Chesed" likely hints at Avraham, the pillar of chesed. "Youth" may also refer to him, as he was the first stage in the development of our nation.
The midrash (Tanchuma, Lech Lecha 1:1) brings the following discussion on the pasuk that mandated Avram’s sojourn. A person cannot accept the Heavenly Kingdom while walking but must say Kriat Shma while stationary. Upon reaching "Baruch shem ..." he can start "V’ahavta ..." while walking. The Sefat Emet says that Kriat Shma and "Baruch shem" correspond to Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur; "V’ahavta" refers to the love we demonstrate on Sukkot. On Sukkot one can go out to the world, like Avram, and bring others to appreciate the Divine Name. In the merit of showing the whole world the beauty of the service of Hashem, one merits, like Avram, "... the Land that I will show you." These days, when we are struggling to hold on to that Land, let us remember the Sefat Emet’s words.
Rabbis in Midrash
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
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.
