YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
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.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
Israel and the Nations A Few Minutes & Many Innovative Ideas on Antisemitism & What to do About It
As we approach the High Holidays, this short lecture (18 minutes) deals with the unfortunate situation of how Israel and the Jewish People stand against antisemitism, analyzing its cause according to Rav Kook, and how to deal with the issue pragmatically & via our prayers.
Ha'azinu PURSUIT is PERFECTION
p. Ha'azinu, Shabbat Shuva
Rav Kook deals with the question of the seemingly hopeless nature of Tshuva. For G-d Himself knows that He created us with free will, which inevitably means we will sometimes make mistakes and choose wrong. This can easily be frustrating, freezing us into inaction and ye'ush (loss of hope). If one sins even once, does he chalila have no choice but suicide?! Moreover, our Godly conscience demands justice, righteousness and perfection, but we all know this is impossible, so what's the solution? Rav Kook's innovative thinking, strongly based on chazal (our sages), offers an inciteful and important aspect to this topic, especially this time of year!
Sukkot Bug-Free Sukkah: Essential Halachic and Practical Schach Guide
How to inspect, clean, and store bamboo mats and palm branches to protect your mitzvah and holiday meals.
