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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Yaakov Ben Behora
Sefer Hachinuch (#306) explains that it is based on the fact that the giving of the Torah, which took place on the first Shavuot, was the ultimate purpose of the world’s creation and the liberation from Egypt. We count to show how excited we are, and we count the days in ascending order rather than the days remaining so that we not be discouraged by the large number of days that initially exist. Emet L’Yaakov (Kaminetsky) (23:11) cites a midrash that tells that right after the Exodus, Bnei Yisrael turned to Hashem, complaining that they had not immediately received the Torah. When Hashem told them that it would be forthcoming in 50 days, they started counting. Thus, our counting commemorates their counting.
What all of this tells us is that it is important not only to study and obey the Torah but also to love it and look forward to receiving it. R. Kaminetsky continues that the death of R. Akiva’s students during this period is related to this idea. For had they properly appreciated Torah, they would have treated their fellow students of Torah with greater respect than they did.
We have demonstrated in other forums that counting the omer is not done toward a day, but marks how long we have been counting for. Indeed the anticipation toward the giving of the Torah, which demonstrates our love for it, is an end in itself. The navi, describing the relationship between Hashem and Bnei Yisrael, says, "I will betroth you forever" (Hoshea 2:21). This is ostensibly difficult. A couple is betrothed temporarily in order to subsequently marry. Why would they be betrothed forever? The navi may be hinting that although Hashem and Bnei Yisrael are, so to speak, married, certain elements of betrothal remain forever. What is so special about the time of engagement is the strong emotional feelings which are enhanced by waiting with anticipation.
The Sefer Hachinuch (ibid.) asks why we wait until the second day of Pesach to begin the count. He answers that the first day should be set aside to commemorate only the events that happened at the liberation from Egypt. This tells us that while the main purpose of the liberation was so that the fledgling nation should accept the Torah and embark on a mission as a holy nation, the liberation itself served as an independent value. The salvation strengthened the connection between Hashem and His nation and proved through the miracles that took place that He created the world and runs its existence (ibid.). While we are required to mention liberation every day of our lives, we should spend these days strengthening our connection to and our appreciation of the Torah which He bestowed to us after those 50 days of expectation.
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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.
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.
