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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
- Vayera
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
R. Avraham ben-tziyon ben shabtai
2. Yitzchak and Ishmael
3. 'Akedat Yitzchak' - The Binding of Yitzchak
Nature of Kindness
Our great forefather Avraham was a man of many attributes, one of which is described with additional emphasis - kindness. Avraham did not perform his acts of kindness because he was commanded to, or because he considered it the correct thing to do. Avraham was kind because that was his nature. This nature was so extreme in him that when Avraham was not performing an act of kindness he felt uncomfortable. Avraham was constantly on the lookout for further possibilities of bestowing kindness on his fellow man, therefore, even at midday and in pain, he sat impatiently at the entrance of his tent waiting for visitors. Avraham's kind nature, would not allow him to hear of the plan to destroy the people of Sodom - as bad as they might have been - without trying to save them.
Yitzchak and Ishmael
Yitzchak (Isaac) and Ishmael were quarreling. Sarah tells us that the quarrel is about their inheritance. Ishmael, as the firstborn, claims an additional benefit of Avraham's possessions, and most important - the rights to the Land of Israel. This claim causes Sarah to demand Avraham, "Expel this woman and her son"(Ishmael and his mother). Avraham found expelling them contradictory to his nature. At this point God intervenes and instructs Avraham: "All you are told by Sarah - do".
God's instruction expresses a clear assignment of duties: Yitzchak is to follow Avraham's way of life. His job is to continue the Godly plan in this world. Ishmael's job is to help Yitzchak successfully accomplish his obligation. When Ishmael misunderstands his duty and demands equal rights, there is no choice but - "Expel this woman and her son".
Nowadays, the situation has not changed in the least. Our kind nature causes us great difficulties when we need, once again, to "Expel this woman and her son". Even so, it has to be clear to us that whenever Ishmael demands rights to Avraham's inheritance of the Holy Land, we are obliged to follow Sarah's instruction.
'Akedat Yitzchak' - The Binding of Isaac
Throughout the generations we have witnessed many people who sacrificed all, so as to accomplish a dream or idea, or reach a certain thing they believed in. What is so great about Akeda? What was so impressive in Avrahams sacrifice?
The answer rests in two important differences between the Akeda and all other sacrifices.
The Significance of the Akeda
The people who made sacrifices throughout the generations, made them for the sake of their belief. The Akeda demanded of Avraham a sacrifice that opposed not only his nature but also his whole way of life. Avraham was asked to sacrifice his dearest son while trampling his most basic instinct, kindness. This act was especially difficult for Avraham; therefore, he is cited as having overcome himself.
The Importance of Yitzchak to Avraham
Yitzchak was far more than a son to Avraham. Yitzchak was the only promise Avraham had for the continuation of his spiritual way of life - A way he built up during more than a hundred years and taught to Yitzchak. This undertaking was now in danger of extinction. At the Akeda Avraham was asked to sacrifice not only his only son but also to endanger the continuation of the unique belief he had developed all his life.
Avraham not only performs his duty to perfection, but also makes an extra effort to do it efficiently and happily. Avraham rises himself early, personally saddles his donkey, and cops the wood. He performs all the duties himself in the hope that the assignment will be altered.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
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.