YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- D'varim
- Va'etchanan
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Asher Ben Haim
"There [in exile] you will serve gods, the handiwork of man, of wood and stone..."
Rashi hints at an obvious question. Why assume that because Jews are in exile they will automatically become idol-worshipers? He answers by citing Onkelos, who explains that when we are subservient to those who are idol-worshipers, then it is as if we are idol-worshipers ourselves.
In other words, when we are outside of Eretz Yisrael, we end up buying into the values of the host society and inflict spiritual damage to ourselves and families in ways we may not even be aware of.
Of course, being in Eretz Yisrael doesn’t guarantee immunization against the galut mentality and it’s unfortunately true that modern Israel has imported many of the worst aspects of Western culture. But that doesn’t detract from the power of simply being in Eretz Yisrael.
Reb Moshe Feinstein, zt"l, notes that Moshe Rabbeinu wanted to enter Eretz Yisrael in any circumstances, even as a bird - which certainly can’t fulfill the mitzvot connected to Eretz Yisrael. "We see that the very fact of being in a place of kedusha is something big," Reb Moshe says in Drash Moshe, "since Hashem sanctified this place, we must try to be there."
It’s impossible to ignore the times we’re living in. The so-called disengagement plan - which calls for the eviction of some 10,000 Jews from their homes, divides Israel as never before, sets a precedent for further giveaways and encourages continued Palestinian terrorism - is cause for enormous concern.
Our hope and prayer is that this Shabbat Nachamu will truly be a time of comfort and unity for Am Yisrael and that our eyes will be opened to see how all the events we are living through in this holy land are paving the way to the ultimate redemption.
--------------------------
This is a weekly column contributed by Aloh Naaleh an organization devoted to motivating Jews to make Aliya.
Aloh Na'aleh POB 4337, Jerusalem 91042
Tel: 972-2-566-1181 ext. 320 ~ Fax: 972-2-566-1186
Email: [email protected]
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
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.
