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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
The pasuk says that after settling in Shechem, buying a field, and pitching tents, Yaakov "erected (vayatzev) an altar, and he called it, Kel Elokei Yisrael" (Bereishit 33:20). The term vayatzev is puzzling, considering that we usually talk about building an altar (out of smaller stones), not erecting one (which implies one large stone).
The root is found several other times regarding Yaakov, in last week’s and this week’s parashiot. Yaakov saw a ladder mutzav(standing) on the ground, Hashem was nitzav alav (standing over him), and he erected a matzeva (monument) at the place where he received the prophetic dream (Bereishit 28:12-18). Upon returning to this holy place after the long stay with Lavan, the root appears three more times from Bereishit 35:9-15, discussing his erecting another matzeva for worship of Hashem. Later in our parasha, Yaakov erects anothermatzeva, this time on the burial place of his wife Rachel (ibid. 35:20).
We will use the thesis that we have demonstrated elsewhere, that the root yatzov is a hint at the revelation of the Divine Presence. Sometimes this is explicit in the context, and sometimes it is the Torah’s way of hinting at this Presence. Thus, the monument on Rachel’s grave is not simply a way of marking it but indicates that Yaakov established a spiritual center for service of Hashem at that holy site. Therefore, there should be no surprise when we note that the root arises in the description of Bnei Yisrael encamped at the foot of Mt. Sinai in preparation for the Divine Revelation at the giving of the Torah (Shemot 19:16-17).
The root is also used to describe Miriam standing by to observe what would happen to her baby brother, Moshe (Shemot 2:4). Bnei Yisrael are likewise nitzavim in unison before Hashem to enter the covenant together. In next week’s parasha as well, the sheaves that represent Yosef and his brothers stand up (Bereishit 37:5-7). With that account, Yosef was telling his brothers that his special relationship with his father did not just find expression in his special cloak (ketonet passim). Rather, he inherited his father’s ability to receive prophetic dreams in which Hashem reveals Himself, as is hinted by the root yatzov.
Let us pray that we too will merit to all stand before Hashem and receive a Divine Revelation through which much light will chase away the darkness that surrounds us.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
