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Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: The existence of sefeikot is among the results of the Torah. They are part of the whole picture, and they complete that which is missing. The actions that are needed to deal with cases of safek increase involvement in Torah study, so that the hard work and involvement has the positive impact of sanctifying participants.
However, relating to questions of doubt is necessary only to the extent that there is a lacking in spiritual light, which is combated by the toil of dealing with sefeikot. However, when the light of the true Torah and knowledge of Hashem is shining in the most brilliant way, there is no need for the darkness that accompanies doubts. The latter is needed only to encourage the development of a light that comes from within the darkness.
Those who are most appropriate to elevate themselves beyond the need for the positive elements of safek are the kohanim, who are the ones who approach Hashem and benefit from the light of the divine grace. An institution of safek, such as a second day of Yom Tov in the exile, is a Torah law that is not as good as the light of being in the Desired Land. This is despite the fact that "the words of the scholars are more beloved to Israel than the "wine of Torah."
Removing safek was the first action undertaken by Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, the possessor of the divine light that shone onto others after elevating himself above the normal conditions of life. He spread a light of definite purity and reduced the need for completing the doubt with Torah toil. Through all of this, the light of dealing with doubts in practice continued, starting with the kohanim, taking action so that they would no longer have to circumvent the place that used to be considered possibly tameh. "Hashem is our G-d, and He gives light to us" (Tehillim 118:27). "His Name is definite, and so is His praise" (Yamim Noraim prayers).
When the divine light was returned by a towering spiritual giant whom Hashem chose, his first task was to return positive things that had been present in previous generations and deteriorated due to lack of positive influence. Afterwards, it was even possible for later generations to go even further if they merited added connection to divine light.
In this case, it was necessary to determine to what extent the practical steps of dealing with sefeikot was necessary to deal with areas of spiritual darkness. Rabbi Shimon wanted to know how long the deterioration had been going on. Was it only one generation from the time they did not need to make up the darkness with added involvement in doubt? If so, it was more realistic to return matters to their previous level without needing the cloud of safek to hover above them.
The old man testified that he had seen a time in which there was clear purity at this place, and thus it was just a matter of a generation that needed to be rectified. Therefore, it was possible that the positive light of Rabbi Shimon would suffice without the help of doubts. This would expand their light in matters of certainty and their accompanying internal light. The time had come to take steps to clarify the mystery as to where there was and was not impurity.
Various Rabbis
Various Rabbis including those of of Yeshivat Bet El, such as Rabbi Chaim Katz, Rabbi Binyamin Bamberger and Rabbi Yitzchak Greenblat and others.
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: A Crown and its Scepter – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 294-5
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 2
The King of the Kazars, in his search for truth, starts by inviting the philosopher. This is a "crash-course" on Aristotelian philosophy and the reasons why the king is not convinced. Through this dialogue, R. Yehuda HaLevi already foreshadows some of his central ideas that will appear later.
Shavuot "Love of Torah = Love of Israel"- for Shavuot
People often identify Judaism as just a religion, but upon examination, we see, even halachically and explicitly in the siddur, that the Torah is dependent upon Am Yisrael, Jewish nationalism.
Ein Aya The Middle-Child & Anti-Tzni'ut Syndrome- Negative Attention
Although tzni'ut is for men just like women, Rav Kook deals here with the sources in Yishayahu and the Talmud which deals with the special problem of lack of tzni'ut in women's dress and actions, where it's not just a problem of midot and character traits, but also can include practical, social and national ramifications, as well, which caused the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash and exile from Israel. The class continues the previous one (Ayn Aya Shabbat vi, 29), and is a must for all educators and parents of high-school aged and young adults.
P'ninat Mishpat P'NINAT MISHPAT: A Mess of Loans, Repayments and Grievances – part II
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts