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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
- Vayeshev
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Yaakov Ben Behora
The Chassidic Rebbe, Rav Meir Yechiel of Ostrov, comments upon these poignant words of Yosef to Pharaoh's cupbearer. One who admits to coming from Israel merits to be buried there. One who does not admit his origins does not merit to be buried in Israel. This is the difference between Moshe and Yosef. Moses who was identified as an Egyptian by the daughters of Yitro does not make it to Israel. Yosef, who clearly identifies himself as a Jew coming from the land of Israel, is brought to his final resting place in Shechem.
But this is puzzling, says the Rebbe of Ostrov. Yosef was born in Israel, but Moshe really was born in Egypt. Moshe truly was an Egyptian. "From this we learn," says the Rebbe of Ostrov, "that from the time Eretz Yisrael was promised to Avraham, every Jew must see himself as a citizen of Israel."
What can I add, dear readers. You are already citizens of Israel. That merit and privilege is yours. As the Rebbe of Riminov says regarding the verse "Eileh toladot Yaakov, Yosef ..." A descendant of Yaakov should make every effort to increase his level of spirituality, add {literally "yosef") to his level of service and aspire to more and more in deed and thought in the observance of Torah and Mitzvot.
Upgrade your "citizenship" status by making the decision to live your life here. Be more than a card carrying citizen. Live the dreams of Moshe and Yosef. It is here, in Israel, where you will truly be able to be a "Yosef" or "Yosefa", one who will merit to observe additional mitzvot which are connected to the land of Israel, and enjoy the added kedusha and holiness of Eretz Yisrael.
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Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
