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Beit Midrash
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The word sheva (seven) has an extremely prominent place in Paroh’s dreams. There were two sets of seven cows and two sets of seven stalks. Each time, one set looked healthy and the other looked weak (Bereishit 41:2-7). In Yosef’s interpretation of the dream (ibid. 26-30), the seven objects turn into seven years. Additionally, the same letters are used for another word – sava (plenty). The Egyptians had the ability to survive the subsequent years of famine and turn them into sava, by selling their supplies at great profit. However, this depended on their readiness to believe and act on Yosef’s instructions, which were introduced by Yosef’s invoking Hashem’s Name before Paroh.
Rav Kook, in his sermons, explained in great depth, the connection between the dispute between Yosef and his brothers and the miracle of Chanuka. We will just mention the part of his thesis that is connected to the "seventh year."
Every seven years, Bnei Yisrael are commanded to believe in Hashem that the flow of blessing that was given in the sixth year will suffice for the following, seventh year (shnat hasheva). Furthermore, the concepts of sava and lacking take on different significance in the year of sheva. The extra involvement in spirituality during this year corresponds to such involvement during the seventh day of the week. The willingness to relinquish the profits of that day serves as a proclamation of a different set of priorities, in which the pinnacle is spiritual values rather than stocks and commodities.
In order for the laws of Shemitta to exist on the level of Torah law, Bnei Yisrael have to be inhabiting their Land according to their tribal plots. In other words, a condition for this high level is internal peace, responsibility of one for the other, and inter-fraternal tranquility.
Rabbis in Midrash
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Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
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.
