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Beit Midrash
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- 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.
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.