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Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- D'varim
- Ki Tavo
Soon after this section, the Torah takes a sharp turn, moving to the very harsh section of the rebuke and presentation of the curses the nation could incur for sinful behavior. One of the sins is "because you did not serve Hashem, your G-d, with happiness and a good heart, from an abundance of all" (Devarim 28:47). Rashi explains that, having so much, it is sinful to not have hakarat hatov (appreciation for the good one receives).
Rav Meir Simcha of Dvinsk opened our eyes with observations on the matter of bikkurim. He points out that in this section of our parasha,Hashem’s main name appears thirteen times and that right after the Torah’s mention of the thirteen attributes of mercy (Shemot 34:6-7), the Torah commands us to bring bikkurim (ibid. 26). This indicates that the matter of forgiveness, which the thirteen attributes highlights, is connected to bikkurim, which is not only about bringing the fruits but about expressing our gratitude to Hashem at that time. Hashem’s main name is based around the idea of His mercy and kindness. This had to be included in the world in order for it to survive, as without mercy, we are too sinful to escape the wrath we deserve. In fact, that Name is repeated twice at the beginning of the thirteen attributes, and thegemara tells us that there is a special assurance that the saying of these attributes will never be without positive effect. That is tremendous kindness.
This is the reason that at this time of year (Elul and until Yom Kippur) we say "L’David, Hashem ori" (Tehillim 27) daily. The psalm begins with the Name, Hashem, which, the gemara (ibid.) explains, refers to Hashem being the same before a person sins and after he has both sinned and done repentance. In that psalm, Hashem’s Name actually appears thirteen times.
This teaches us a few things. The basis for our being worthy of Hashem’s kindness is our ability to have hakarat hatov, which is the most fundamental part of our spiritual life. There are no good attributes without that one, and no spiritual building can stand without it. Also, Hashem’s goodness is the basis for Creation, which is why the ability for us to repent existed from before the world was created. That ability must be in place before the sin, and all of this is included in Hashem’s main name. There is no repentance without recognizing Hashem’s goodness.
At this time of year, when the kindness of being able to repent gives us hope going into these upcoming High Holy Days, we should remember to thank Hashem for all the good He has and continues to give us every day and every hour.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
