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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Vayikra
- Bechukotai
The end of our pasuk seems to give a metaphorical clarification for that which its beginning raises – the Exodus. By taking us out of slavery, Hashem was breaking the yoke that represents slavery. In other words, not only was the yoke removed, but it was never to be used again. This ostensibly cleared the way for a next stage – leading us komemiyut. Unkelus translates komemiyut as to freedom, which explains the previous metaphor. This may also be the source for the understanding of those who named that crucial war, Milchemet Hakomemiyut (The War of Freedom).
Other opinions in Chazal assume komemiyut continues to describe the nation metaphorically. Some say (see Bava Batra 75a) it is a combination of two words – koma (height) me’at (either 100 or 200 amot). While we have no indication this was literally true, it hints at great stature with which Hashem provided us. We can maintain that stature by avoiding the great sins that precipitate the curses our parasha moves on to discuss. Rashi, based on midrashim in several places, talks of standing erect, and the midrashim continue that the people were not afraid of any living thing. This is also apparently connected to the root of koma, embedded in komemiyut, but instead of referring to height, it refers to posture and the frame of mind it represents.
Another possible direction is to relate it to the most similar words found in Tanach, the verb lekomem (see Yeshaya 44:26; ibid. 58:12; Micha 2:8). The consensus is that this verb means to establish (which captures the idea of the ’48 war, as well), like the similar word lehakim.
One of the reasons to want to understand this word is that we use it every morning in the beracha before Kri’at Shema: "Bring us in peace from the four corners of the world and lead us komemiyut to our Land." Are we asking to be brought in freedom to our Land, like Unkelus? Do we want to be tall or erect (figuratively) when we come and not have to sneak in under the eyes of the Turkish, British, or whomever? Do we want to come in such a way that we are able to be established here – permanently, as part of a great building process? I imagine that for most of us, the answer is – let’s request all of them, and thank Hashem that we have merited to have made nice progress already.
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.
