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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Beha'alotcha
- Shabbat and Holidays
- Shabbat
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Asher Ben Hana
What are the days of happiness (simcha)? After all, the holidays are already addressed. The Sifrei (77) brings a machloket whether it refers to Shabbat or to daily korbanot. Ibn Ezra explains that the purpose was for Bnei Yisrael to hear as the Shabbat korbanot were being brought and focus their hearts to the Heaven. According to Shibalei Haleket, the opinion that relates "days of happiness" to Shabbat explains the text of the Shabbat prayers. We say "they shall rejoice in Your kingdom..." and "they shall rejoice in You." Ibn Ezra’s approach also finds expression in his Shabbat song, "Ki Eshmera Shabbat," where he says, "it is a day of happiness..."
It is possible that the Sifrei’s two opinions differ over the question whether it is feasible that a day of kedusha (usually translated as, holiness) can be categorized as a day of happiness. Some view asceticism as the highest level of kedusha. Others stress the balance recommended by Kohelet: "Go eat your bread in happiness and drink your wine with a good heart, for Hashem has accepted your actions" (9:7).
There are halachic ramifications to categorizing Shabbat as a day of simcha. The Manhig writes: "We do not recite Tachanun on Friday because Shabbat is also called a day of simcha." The Maharil (end of the Laws of Yom Tov) uses the classification to rule that one does not engage in a ta’anit chalom (a fast to ward off the effects of a bad dream) on Shabbat, as is also alluded to in "Ki Eshmera Shabbat."
We finish with another of Ibn Ezra’s insights in this context, which is rooted in the p’sukim’s simple meaning. The insight has special significance to us, those who have experienced our national revival in the form of the establishment of the State of Israel. Until now, we have viewed pasuk 10, dealing with trumpet blowing at happy times, as separate from pasuk 9, dealing with doing so during tense times. However, Ibn Ezra connects the p’sukim. After returning victorious from battle, it is time to have a day of happiness and bring korbanot of thanksgiving. He gives Purim and other days as examples of the creation of national days of thanksgiving. This idea is behind our celebrations of Yom Ha’atzmaut and Yom Yerushalayim, which we consider a joyous obligation. There is basis to connect our times, when we have witnessed a massive ingathering of exiles to the celebration of our pasuk. The Rokeach points out that both our pasuk and the beracha of "Teka b’shofar ..." where we ask for the ingathering, contain 20 words.
Let us pray that we will merit lives of happiness through holiness and that we will be able to thank Hashem for our liberation.
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.
