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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Vayikra
- Bechukotai
The Midrash commenting on this pasuk explains that fulfilling the statutes brings a person to the World to Come. The pasuk (Yeshayahu 4:3) states: "Those who remain in Zion and are left in Jerusalem, all who are inscribed for life in Jerusalem shall be called holy." This refers to one who delves into Torah, which is the tree of life as it says: "It is the tree of life for those who cleave to it" (Mishlei 3:18). Rav Elazar commented: The sword and the book were given wrapped together from Heaven. Hashem said: "If you keep what is written in this book, you will be spared from the sword, but if not, you will be killed." This is learned from: "He drove man out and stationed the cherubim east of the Garden of Eden, the fiery ever turning sword, to guard the way to the tree of life" (Bereishit 3:24). The way refers to derech eretz and the tree refers to Torah (Vayikra Raba, 35:6).
Let us understand this midrash in the context of Lag Ba’omer. The day’s major personalities are Rabbi Akiva, his students (who fought for Bar Kochba), and another student, Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai.
Do we actually strengthen these great chachamim’s legacy on Lag Ba’omer? The many bonfires preoccupy the youth since Pesach. Does gathering woods (some of which is stolen or wasted) strengthen their fear of Heaven? Do they connect more with Rabbi Akiva’s and Rabbi Shimon’s Torah? Do polluting the air and causing injuries add to our spirituality enough to be worth the price?
Rabbi Akiva encouraged his students to fight for Jewish independence in our Land. They were prepared to give their life in the tent of Torah and in keeping the mitzvot, and also in physical battle against those who opposed Israeli independence.
May I be bold enough to make alternative suggestions for next year? The Torah community can spend the night delving into these topics. We should place on a pedestal the great heroes of the past who synthesized fighting for Torah and against our enemies, such as Yehoshua, David Hamelech, Rabbi Akiva, and the followers of each.
Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai taught Am Yisrael to delve into a Torah learning of faith and Jewish philosophy. Let us encourage the study of such topics along with learning practical halacha, especially on this special day.
The students of Rabi Akiva died (likely, in battle against the Romans) because they did not give respect to each other, i.e., a lack of derech eretz. During Sefirat Ha’omer, we adopt practices of mourning because of this national spiritual calamity. The sacrifices of Rabbi Akiva and his wife Rachel (who was responsible for his scholarship) was nearly obliterated due to fighting and baseless hatred, which also destroyed the Beit Hamikdash decades earlier. Specifically on this day, it is fitting to open the beit midrash doors to "extinguish the fire of dispute" that still engulfs us. This way we will follow our opening Midrash – we will guard the living Torah and merit the many blessing with which our parasha begins.
Let us all pray that we merit seeing the removal of the reasons for the destruction of the Beit Hamikdash and see its rebuilding soon in our days.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
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.
