YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
- Vayera
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Yaakov Ben Behora
Many commentaries (including the Netziv) explain that Avraham was saying that he did not rely on the morality of the people of G’rar, because it was not based on proper values. When social justice is based on humanistic conviction to do the right thing, but is not rooted in fear of Heaven, it is easily overcome by the Yetzer Hara (Evil Inclination). While accepting this premise, one cannot help but notice that there are religious people who succumb to their inclinations and sin and there are irreligious people who overcome theirs, at least in regard to matters in which they believe. Would Avimelech have accepted a claim that because he did not share Avraham’s belief in Elokim can be explained in a related but slightly different way than one might think. In several places in Sefer Vayikra, the Torah concludes a commandment with the phrase, "v’yareita mei’Elokecha," you shall fear your G-d." Rashi explains several times (see 19:14) that this is a warning to one who might violate a mitzva with some sort of excuse. "I gave bad advice, but I thought it was the best thing for him." "I didn’t stand up for the sage, because I didn’t see him." The Torah tells us that one should fear Hashem, who knows what his true intentions are.
After understanding this phrase, the following explanation of Avraham’s claim becomes plausible. Avimelech asked Avraham: "What did you see that you did this thing?" (Bereishit 20:10). Did you ever see my people kill someone to steal his property or take his wife? Apparently, Avraham had to admit that he did not see it. But, said Avraham, although I did not see senseless murder, maybe Hashem did. Maybe there were executions of criminals who really were killed on trumped up charges for malicious reasons. And maybe Sarah’s husband would be the next on line. Therefore, although outwardly, G’rar was a just society, Avraham had reason to fear that it was just missing yirat Elokim, and murders and sins were committed secretly and/or with a variety of "justifications."
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 2
The King of the Kazars, in his search for truth, starts by inviting the philosopher. This is a "crash-course" on Aristotelian philosophy and the reasons why the king is not convinced. Through this dialogue, R. Yehuda HaLevi already foreshadows some of his central ideas that will appear later.
Shavuot "Love of Torah = Love of Israel"- for Shavuot
People often identify Judaism as just a religion, but upon examination, we see, even halachically and explicitly in the siddur, that the Torah is dependent upon Am Yisrael, Jewish nationalism.
Ein Aya The Middle-Child & Anti-Tzni'ut Syndrome- Negative Attention
Although tzni'ut is for men just like women, Rav Kook deals here with the sources in Yishayahu and the Talmud which deals with the special problem of lack of tzni'ut in women's dress and actions, where it's not just a problem of midot and character traits, but also can include practical, social and national ramifications, as well, which caused the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash and exile from Israel. The class continues the previous one (Ayn Aya Shabbat vi, 29), and is a must for all educators and parents of high-school aged and young adults.
P'ninat Mishpat P'NINAT MISHPAT: A Mess of Loans, Repayments and Grievances – part II
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts