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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Yaakov Ben Behora
As a matter of fact, however, it is precisely because God loves us so that He has given us the Torah and its commandments, as we say in our prayers, "You reveal an endless love for us; You have taught us Torah and commandments, laws and justice." And, in the words of the Sages, "The Almighty desired to benefit Israel, and He therefore gave them many laws and commandments, as it is written, 'The Lord is well pleased for his righteousness’ sake; he will magnify the Torah and make it glorious' (Isaiah 42:21)."
When a person's faith is weak, or when one lacks faith entirely, the commandments appear unbearable. To what may this be likened? To a person who has no sense of aesthetic value, no sensitivity to beauty or grace. Such a person could enter a beautifully adorned house, into which much thought and expense has been invested, and feel nothing. One who does not understand such things asks himself, "What is all this for? All this ornamentation just takes up space, every place you walk you run the risk of knocking over some valuable vessel. One cannot walk freely here. Why spend so much energy trying to protect all of these objects?"
Foundations of Faith (51)
Rabbi Zalman Baruch Melamed
38 - 38. “Israel, Through Whom I Will Be glorified”
39 - 39. The Commandments - A Beloved Burden
40 - 40. Reward and Punishment
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To one who lacks faith, it appears as if the many commandments which have bearing upon virtually every aspect of a Jew's daily activity, from the morning until the nighttime, day after day, every day of the week, throughout the year, restrict and weigh the Jew down. To such a person, orthodox Jews appear to have bound themselves up with iron chains: they are not permitted to eat as they please or to enjoy themselves freely. The Sabbath restricts them, there is no freedom, there is no natural living. This is how it appears to the irreligious.
However, when faith shines forth brightly, filling the heart, the "burden" of the commandments looks entirely different. The precepts are not a burden but a privilege. The commandments are beautiful ornaments, and it is a delight to decorate with them. The commandments truly fill one's entire life, and this is what is so great about them. All aspects of life are illuminated through the light of the Torah. One's entire life is elevated to a new level, invested with a Divine quality. The Torah is indeed "perfect, reviving the soul," the commandments "enlighten the eyes," "God's statutes are right, rejoicing the heart" (Psalms 19:8), for, indeed, God's intention was to benefit Israel, and He therefore gave them many laws and commandments.
If a person were permitted to enter a room full of valuable jewels and pearls and take whatever he could carry, the load which he would haul away would not be a burden to him. To the contrary, he would be happy to take more if he only could. Thus, King David writes, "I rejoice at Your word, like one who finds great booty" (Psalm 119:162).
In order to truly understand the ways of religious Jews one must try to see things through their eyes. Once a person succeeds in doing this he can grasp the greatness of a life of Torah and commandments.
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: Returning Torah to its Central Standing – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 312
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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.