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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
- Lech Lecha
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.
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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.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.