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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
Ein Ayah: When a person is singled out for a specific miracle that happens in his personal life (even though all miracles are still connected to the more general picture of the mission of the world), there is definitely a special reason for his being chosen. For only a person whose soul is connected to the klal (nation or broad society) and focused on others is worthy of having a miracle happen to him. This is because miracles highlight matters that apply to the klal. Only the betterment of the whole engenders a need to change the normal and constant order of things.
Nevertheless even with such a great soul, let us not forget that a love for nature that Hashem created, the orderliness and inner workings of the world order, is the foundation and basis for wisdom, and holiness within the physical realms and a straightness of the heart. Therefore the reality and occurrence of a miracle must relate to a certain lacking in a person, a part that in its essence was leaning towards everything against the wise and straight.
The elements of the person’s lacking need to be rechanneled against their natural tendency, to be uplifted from the depths of their physical ailments to the honor and glory of that which is lofty. But this, in and of itself, represents a certain deficiency. For this shows that a person has not perfected his body and self but needs a change in the order of creation in order to be fully connected to the Heavenly kingdom.
The true greatness where there is no deficiency is when the heart returns to its natural purity and a person’s pure soul will be in synergy with his body. At that point the ability to cleave to Hashem will be done through the natural order of nature. Therefore with all the greatness we feel towards miracles, we must remember that we must look at them in wonderment, but our love must be focused towards the natural order that Hashem created for us. And as much as we recognize the greatness of a person who experienced a miracle happen to him, we must realize the innate deficiency implied by this, that the natural order of creation had to be changed for him.
[That is the reason that there are different opinions as to whether the miracle showed the greatness or the deficiency of this widower/father. In fact, both elements are true in their own way.]
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
