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Beit Midrash
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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Simha bat Hana
Rashi, quoting the Talmud (Megilla 29b), points out that the half shekalim contributed by those eligible to be counted were used to fashion the foundation sockets which secured the planks surrounding the Mishkan. In explaining verse 3: "And this is what every one shall pay...a half shekel....," Rashi quotes Midrash Tanhuma, which says that God showed Moshe a coin of fire, directing him that "this" is what should be given in the forthcoming census. Throughout his commentary on the Torah, Rashi tries to distill the peshat - the plain meaning of the verse. It may be asked: How does Rashi's comment on this verse illuminate our understanding of the text?
An anonymous commentator in the 19th century raises a question about the aforementioned midrash: Why did the Almighty show Moshe a "coin of fire," rather than a fiery metal coin? This commentator explains that God was not instructing Moshe about the coin itself, but rather describing the state of mind that should accompany the giving. Being counted as part of Clal Yisrael involves a lot more than simply paying one's financial obligations to the community. When one is privileged to be counted, the giver of the coin has to ask "what does this payment really demand of me." The "coin of fire" represents the zeal that must accompany the performance of the tasks that devolve upon us as members of the community.
In today's world, Aliya to Israel is the paradigm of the fiery coin. Aliya requires a steadfastness of purpose, an unyieling zealous commitment and a clear sense of mission in order to join those who are valiently striving to realize in our time the fulfillment of Jewish destiny.
Rabbi Mordechai Spiegelman, a resident of Jerusalem, previously served in the United States as a congregational rabbi, yeshivah principal and director of the Department of Yeshivot at the Board of Jewish Education of Greater New York. He presently teaches a weekly Torah class at the Seymour J. Abrams Orthodox Union Jerusalem World Center.
He and his wife made Aliya in 1997. Four of their five children and their families preceded them
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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.
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.
