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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- D'varim
- Va'etchanan
In the 10 Commandments, we find strict rules that entail physical activity, such as keeping Shabbat, avoiding idol worship, telling the truth, etc, as well as emotional activity, such as believing in Hashem, showing honor (to
parents) & refraining from impure thoughts (Lo Tachmod).
The Shema also has its own physical laws - such as putting on Tefilin, or placing a Mezuza on our homes – as well as the emotional component of loving G-d & taking the Mitzvot seriously, "to heart" (V’hayu ha’d’varim….al
l’vavecha).
Famously, the Shema instructs us to pursue a full & comprehensive love of the Almighty, one that encompasses the willingness to give all of ourself, including our material possessions ("kal m’odecha") or even our very
lives, if necessary ("b’chal naf’shecha").
The pasuk says we should love G-d "b’chal l’vavecha" – with all our hearts – in the plural – as opposed to all our heart – which would have been written "b’chal lib’cha." Rashi, noting the unusual word, says it means we should
love Hashem "with both our inclinations;" the Yetzer Ha-Tov as well as the Yetzer Ha-ra, the good & the bad.
What, exactly, does this mean? I thought that we were supposed to be working continuously at eradicating, or at least, suppressing our Yetzer Ha-ra?!
The fact is, all the many midot which Hashem places within us have both positive & negative applications & aspects. Mercy, for example, is generally a wonderful trait, but not when it is shown to a terrorist. Courage is exemplary, but it can also lead to dangerous risk-taking. Even love, that most beautiful of virtues, can be destructive if it is overused to spoil a child, or to smother a spouse.
At the same time, traits which appear to be in the "bad" category can be turned around: Stinginess, for example, is praiseworthy when we are protecting the assets of a friend; jealousy can motivate us to fulfill our potential;
even hate can be constructive, when we direct it against injustice, corruption or evil – all too handy targets.
In short, the Shema says: "Listen, people, I, G-d, have given each of you a complex, advanced ‘skill-set.’ Use it to the fullest, every bit of it, the "good" and the "bad." Do it – and I will love you!"
Rabbi Stewart Weiss
Was ordained at the Hebrew Theological College in Skokie, Illinois, and led congregations in Chicago and Dallas prior to making Aliyah in 1992. He directs the Jewish Outreach Center in Ra'anana, helping to facilitate the spiritual absorption of new olim.
Jewish Laws and Thoughts Shul “etiquette:” can we honor Hashem while respecting our fellow congregants?
Harav Avraham Yitzchak Hacohen Kook Weren't Rav Kook's Positions Unique Among Rabbis?
Translated by Hillel Fendel
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.