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Beit Midrash
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This is clearly the "headline" and pervasive theme of our parsha: the imperative to seek justice in every sphere of human behavior. The many Mitzvot of our parsha – from executing idolaters to setting up Cities of Refuge (for accidental man-slaughterers) to granting certain exemptions to soldiers – are all designed to promote a sense of fairness, and to balance law and order with compassion.
One of the most fascinating Mitzvot in the sedra is that of the Egla Arufa. If a person is found murdered in an open area, a ceremony is held - which includes breaking the neck of a young calf - at which the leaders of the closest town come and declare, "Our hands did not shed this blood; our eyes did not see (this crime)."
Rashi comments that, of course, we do not suspect the leaders of the city of committing such a crime. But they must attest that they did not let this poor soul leave the city "without provisions or an escort." From here we learn that it is proper to accompany a departing guest part of the way to his next destination. The Maharal says that Hashem reacts to this act of chesed and camaraderie by affording an extra measure of protection to the guest.
Rav Yochanan Zweig has another take on the issue. He says that thieves, or highwaymen, prey upon those who are alone, and thus defenseless. They can detect, by virtue of a person’s demeanor and the way he carries himself, who appears tentative and vulnerable, as opposed to those who are confident and so more apt to protect themselves.
When an individual travels alone, in a strange place not his home, he is a greater target for danger. But if he has been welcomed to a town, given provisions and escorted on his way, he projects an air of strength and self-assurance, and is less likely to be attacked.
The elders must recognize that it is their responsibility to create an environment which welcomes others and makes even strangers feel "at home." If they do not do this – by preaching as well as by personal example – then they are at least partially culpable if a tragedy occurs.
How many of us have had the experience of walking into a place – particularly a shul, which one expects to have elevated spiritual sensitivities - and feeling totally alone, lost, unwanted? And how many of us have had the opposite occur, when we are greeted warmly, shown to a seat, made to feel at home, and treated like "family." Not only do our surroundings and the way we are treated our
You don’t have to "break your neck" to help others; it’s enough to "just" be nice!
Peninei Halakha 5. Weddings and Engagements during the Omer Period
Chapter 3: Customs of Mourning during the Omer Period
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.