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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Bamidbar
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Yaakov Ben Behora
The Malbim, in his sefer, Eretz Hemdah, makes the following observation. The stars’ positions, in terms of our observation from the ground, change in two ways. They move as a unit from east to west [as the earth rotates]. Individual stars also change their positions in relation to each other within the cosmos. This dichotomy points at the double identity of the star, as an integral part of the tapestry of the sky’s legions and as an individual world unto itself. The difference between the two p’sukim hints at this. One pasuk refers to the name (singular) of the stars, whereas the other refers to their names (plural). Names connote identity, so the former hints to their joint identity and the latter to their individual identity.
The Malbim says that the same is true for members of Bnei Yisrael. The individual is counted as an integral part of one grand number. On the other hand, the pasuk, "ish ish lamateh" (literally, each man to a tribe) hints that each individual is considered like an entire tribe. A Hasidic approach to this concept is based on a halacha. When a single object that is counted by unit (not measured by volume or weight) is lost in a large mixture, it is not batel (rendered halachically insignificant). So too, the individual in Klal Yisrael is counted, and thus his individual character remains intact.
The double count also reminds us of the counting of the days of the omer. On one level we have 49 days, each of which is equally necessary to fulfill the mitzva and to reach Shavuot. On the other hand, the Kabbalists have attached to the seven days and seven weeks characteristics, such as chesed, gevura, etc. We too, are equal individuals, who are broken up by tribe and family, and by personal attributes and history.
One can also answer the contradiction about the ability to count by saying that Hashem can count the stars (as the p’sukim describe) and the nation, but man cannot. There are many stars that we cannot see, certainly not with the naked eye. Also the more we shine light at the sky, the fewer stars we can see. Inter-personally also, the less we shine our own light at others’ domains and the finer the "equipment" we develop to observe them, the more we will discover other people and the light they are capable of shining.
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.
