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Beit Midrash
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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Simha Bat Hana
The Netziv says that the first group refers to those who gave out of fear that otherwise their heart would make them feel guilty, whereas those of a motivated spirit donated because their minds told them that it was the right thing to do. The Ohr Hachayim has higher regard for those moved by the heart, who gave more than was expected, as opposed to those motivated by the spirit, who donated as expected.
The Ramban, however, makes a greater distinction between the two groups, one that answers several textual questions (not all of which does the Ramban mention). The root nadav is often found regarding donors, but n’siat lev is not found elsewhere in this context. We can add that different verbs forms are used for the two groups, as is stressed by the trop (cantilation) of the pasuk. The elevated-heart people came; the motivated-spirit people brought. The Ramban says that the latter group donated the raw materials for the Mishkan, but the former group volunteered their time and effort to carry out the construction and formation of the various utensils and fabrics. He explains these builders’ description as those whose heart (literally) raised them up as follows. None of them had been trained in the crafts he was to be involved in. (Apparently their skills were wasted in Egypt on menial labor). Yet they raised their hearts in the ways of Hashem (see Divrei Hayamim II, 17:6) and found within themselves the talent to accomplish these objectively difficult tasks.
At least one question threatens this explanation. If the latter group donated the raw materials, which were then processed by the former group, then the pasuk seems out of order. First, donors bring; later, craftsmen do their work. The apparent answer teaches a very important lesson. Many important projects seem too ambitious, too expensive, and beyond the capabilities of those who are called upon to get them off the ground. There is a need for people to step forward and declare, "We will make sure that this job gets done, and we will start applying ourselves to plan and carry out the dream, effective immediately." When others see the commitment and confidence of the vanguard, it is easier to find other donors, creating a partnership to get the job done.
Although not every generation merits specific, Divine instructions to build a Mishkan, every generation has a plethora of difficult but possible holy projects to implement. Those who may not be aware of their untapped talents should search their hearts for the inner strength to believe in themselves and lead others.
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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.
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.