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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
- Noach
By the time of Adam’s grandson Enosh, there was a spiritual downturn, as the pasuk says "then it was mundane (huchal) to call out in the name of Hashem" (Bereishit 4:26). In fact, Chazal relate to Enosh’s generation as the epitome of idol worship (Shabbat 118b). The Rambam (Avoda Zara 1:1) explains the seeds of deterioration, as the people first showed respect to celestial bodies as important agents of Hashem, and then came to increasingly attribute independent powers to them.
In the slippery slope of heresy, the next major jump was to the time of Nimrod. He turned himself into an idol, built the Tower of Bavel as a rebellion, and commanded all to bow down to him. Yeshaya (14:13-14) describes him as one who declared that he would go up to the heavens, above the stars, and be similar to the divine.
The Torah was cryptic in regard to Nimrod, just referring to him as one who "began (hechel) to be a brave man in the land" (Berieshit 10:8). Chazal, based on the hint of huchal-hechel explained that Nimrod "knew his Master and intended to rebel (limrod) against Him," as indeed the name Nimrod indicates (Midrash Aggada, Noach 10).
Avraham Avinu was the only one who dared to stand up to Nimrod. He gathered people publicly and taught monotheism, imploring his followers to follow a good and straight path. He refused to give up his belief even when Nimrod threatened him with being thrown into the fire. The Torah is cryptic about this episode as well, mentioning only the death of Avraham’s brother Haran, "before his father Terach in Ur Kasdim," from which Avraham left (see Bereishit 11:28). The midrash fills in on the dialogue between Nimrod and Avraham, with the former saying that he worships only fire and dares Avraham’s G-d to save Avraham from the fire (Bereishit Rabba 38).
Avraham was saved miraculously from the fire and left Ur Kasdim to go to the Land of Canaan. He continued, with his wife, Sarah, to teach belief in one G-d and called out in the name of Hashem. This was different from Adam who called names … for the animals (Bereishit 2:20).
Surprisingly, Nimrod reappears in the Torah, at the head of a fearsome army of the four kings who defeated the five. In that context, he is called Amrafel, alluding to the fact that through his command, Avraham fell into the furnace. There is even a dispute within Chazal (Eruvin 53a) which of his names was the original one, and which was changed to hint at the element of his persona. In any case, by defeating the four kings, Avraham was able to strengthen the forces of Malkitzedek, the King of Shalem.
As we approach the full liberation, we will experience the nations being "called to the mountain" (Devarim 33:19). The midrash (Sifrei, Zot Haberacha 354) tells how nations will come to Eretz Yisrael for commercial purposes and, while here, will notice and be impressed by the service of one G-d that exists here. They will desire to cling to this wise nation and will convert and offer sacrifices, as the pasuk finishes, "there they will offer sacrifices of righteousness."
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.