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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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
Rabbis in Midrash
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
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.
