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Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Vayikra
- Behar
In explaining the mitzva of yovel, the Torah says that the Land will not be sold for eternity and finishes up that this is related to the concept that we are "foreigners and citizens with Me" (Vayikra 25:23). The connection to "with Me" appears to be as follows: If you treat Me like one who fully belongs, then you fully belong; if you treat Me as an outsider, you too will be like outsiders.
The idea is that in the mitzvot of shemitta and, especially, yovel the element of recognizing heavenly dominion is particularly prominent. It is that which makes us deserving inhabitants of the Land. This is because in order for us to have dominion over the Land from a human perspective, we must be fully cognizant of the fact that it is Hashem and no other who has the ultimate ownership of the Land. "For the earth and everything that is in it is Hashem’s" (Tehillim 24:1). This is the reason that the Torah starts with the story of Genesis and not with "Hachodesh hazeh," the first mitzva that Bnei Yisrael were commanded nationally, which would be appropriate, since the stories of nations begin with their independence.
Hashem chose for us a land that is the nerve center of the world. This is described in the pasuk, "The land which Hashem is interested in. Constantly Hashem’s eyes are in it, from the beginning of the year until its end" (Devarim 11:12). Now we can understand the connection between shemitta and Sinai, where, the Torah stresses, that mitzva was given. "The strength of His actions He told to His nation, to give to them the land that is the lot of the nations" (Tehillim 111:6). This is the secret that Hashem created the world with a statement made by "His mouth." The whole world exists due to the spiritual element. Therefore, the connection to the Land comes specifically by stressing the fact we are connected to it to the extent to which Hashem grants it to us ("we are foreigners and citizens").
This last pasuk is surprising, in that it refers to the Land as "that which is the lot of nations." Is Eretz Yisrael the lot of the nations? Isn’t it our lot? There is a deep meaning here. The vision for Bnei Yisrael is the vision of the End of Days, when "all those who inhabit the world will recognize and know Hashem." Such an era can be ushered in only when the Kingdom of Israel will be the Kingdom of the Heaven.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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