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Beit Midrash
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One of the most important korbanot discussed in Parshat Tzav is the korban Toda, the thanks-offering. It is a central feature of the Jew to give thanks to Hashem, to others, even to the world around us which offers so much to us. Indeed, "Yehudi/Jew" is based on the word "Toda."
The root of toda also connects to "modeh," admittance that we are not perfect & totally self-sustaining. That fact of life is what inspires us to thank & acknowledge those upon whom we depend for our lives & livelihoods. So important is thanksgiving, says the Medrash, that even if all other korbanot will not brought in the future Bet HaMikdash, the korban Toda will still remain.
In the daily Amida, the 1 section (besides Kedusha) that can’t be fulfilled by simply answering Amen is Modim D’Rabanan. Why? Because saying "thanks" requires personal attention & effort.
While the korban Toda does not exist today, we do have a modern-day equivalent: the Birkat HaGomel, recited at Torah-reading, in order to give thanks in 4 specific instances: Recovery from a serious illness or a life-threatening situation; being freed from prison; or crossing an ocean or desert. Have you figured out the link to Pesach yet?
All 4 of these HaGomel situations occurred during Yetziat Mitzrayim! We recovered from our spiritual malaise & the depression which gripped us as slaves; we were freed from the vast prison that was Paro’s Egypt; we safely crossed the Reed Sea & then successfully made our way through the desert to Mt. Sinai & the Land of Israel!
I suggest that all of us, at one time or another, face the same crises our ancestors did: We struggle against illness, be it physical or emotional; stress, despondency or lack of faith. We often feel trapped, as if in prison, within the confines of financial or societal constraints. And making our way through the vicissitudes of life is akin to crossing a vast ocean or desert, battling the elements which confront us, until we finally reach the other side.
And so, at all times we must admit our dependency on Hashem & give Him thanks. Indeed, the entire message of Pesach, say Chazal, is essentially one of Hakarat HaTov, appreciating G-d & showing our gratitude to Him.
Shabbat "HaGadol?" There is nothing more Gadol than saying Toda for that which is above, & around us.
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.