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Beit Midrash
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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.
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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
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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.