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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Shabbat and Holidays
- Sukkot
- The Essence of Sukkot
Others explain how the mitzva of sukka relates in a very deep way to the whole relationship between the fulfiller of the mitzva and his Maker. The Slonimer Rebbe (Netivot Shalom, Sukkot 3) refers to the Mahari Weil, cited by the Baer Heitev (639:1), who says that whoever fulfills the mitzva of sukka is like one who is a partner with Hashem in the creation of the world. Despite our love for the sukka, this seems surprising. Chazal have a similar statement – Whoever recites the Torah’s account of the "creation of Shabbat" is like one who is His partner in Creation (Shabbat 119b).
The Netivot Shalom explains that both Shabbat and Yom Tov are like reunions between the king, and his son who has been distanced from him. The difference is that on Shabbat, the son comes to "visit" the father, and on Yom Tov the father comes to visit his son. Of course, this fits as well or better regarding Sukkot, where the Zohar says that the sukka itself is infused with a special divine presence.
However, the Slonimer Rebbe takes it a step further in explaining the element of simcha that we find both in regard to Shabbat and to Sukkot. Regarding Sukkot, there is a very clear command to be joyful (Devarim 16:14). Regarding Shabbat, we find Chazal explaining the pasuk in regard to the use of the trumpet (Bamidbar 10:10- see Sifrei ad loc.) that "the day of your joy" refers to Shabbat. The commentaries have trouble with this, considering that there does not seem to be a mitzva of simcha on Shabbat.
The Slonimer Rebbe posits that the happiness is not referring to the way one is supposed to act on those days but to the essence of the days. Both Shabbat and Sukkot, he demonstrates, are like days of marriage between the Jewish People and Hashem. In fact the Avudraham says that different parts of Shabbat correspond to different stages in the creation of the nuptial union. The night is compared to the kiddishun (the betrothal); the morning is compared to the time of engagement during which presents are given; and the afternoon corresponds to the final stage of marriage when they start living together. Similarly, the sukka functions as a chupa (bridal canopy), so to speak, which makes Sukkot a time of internal happiness in addition to performing acts that create happiness.
As we who take part in these special days form a partnership of "marriage" with Hashem, we become partners in His world. In that way, it is as if one is a partner in the creation of the world, as he is a partner in everything that relates to Hashem.
May we feel the joy of the great relationship we forge with Hashem every Shabbat and, uniquely, on this holiday of Sukkot.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.