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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!"
Army and War "If Haredim Should Serve in the IDF, So Should You"
IDF Service for Young Jewish Men from America
Army and War "If Haredim Should Serve in the IDF, So Should You"
IDF Service for Young Jewish Men from America
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
