YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Shabbat and Holidays
- Jewish Holidays
- The High Holidays
We have the privilege to reach the days known as the Yamim Noraim (Days of Fear = High Holy Days). We will take a look at the spiritual content of this period, from Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur through Sukkot/Hoshana Rabba, while connecting it to Parashat Nitzavim.
We view Rosh Hashana as a day of strict judgment and Yom Kippur as a day of forgiveness and atonement. Sukkot is a holiday of happiness and thanksgiving. Our Rabbis have taught us that Hoshana Rabba closes the circle, as the judgment is finalized. We spend many hours in prayer, but how can prayer help our judgment, as it seems futile to try to change Hashem’s mind? The simple answer is that Hashem does not change his mind, but that the person upon whom a decree has been made is "replaced," so to speak, by a different person. The new one has grown closer to Hashem, thus improving his spiritual level.
We call this period the time of teshuva (repentance), which connotes the ability to repair, and this flows from the desire to grow closer to Hashem. The process begins with a person’s recognition of sin and the emotional pangs it causes him. This recognition changes his spiritual level and enables a renewed closeness to Hashem, which increases as he climbs the ladder of teshuva – arriving at remorse and resolving to no longer sin.
The navi exclaims: "Seek Hashem when He is to be found; call to Him when He is close" (Yeshaya 55:6). The midrash (P’sikta D’Rav Kahane, addendum 7) says that this refers to the ten days of repentance, when Hashem dwells amongst the people. Part of Hashem’s kindness on these days is that he opens a window of opportunity. The special window that opens on Rosh Hashana closes on Hoshana Rabba. This is a period during which it is easier to draw closer to Hashem.
Our main effort is to yearn to be closer to Hashem. Moshe, who had the unique opportunity to "speak to Hashem face to face as a man speaks to his friend" (Shemot 33:11), still asked to understand and experience Hashem in a more complete way (see ibid. 13 & 18). David Hamelech took a similar approach – "Your face, Hashem, shall I seek … teach me Your ways" (Tehillim 27: 8 & 11). These views of Hashem’s "face" represent an emotional request to be close, which is connected to the desire for forgiveness.
Our parasha begins with the words "atem nitzavim …" (you are all standing before Hashem). Years ago we explained that this language indicates that the Divine Presence was before them. This is a situation of Hashem being close, which, we saw above, is the time to seek Hashem.
We want to wish the entire nation that our prayers will be accepted willingly before the Master of the World, and we should be written and inscribed for a good life and peace.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
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.
