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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Masei
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Asher Ben Haim
Rashi’s first explanation is that the murderer is not worthy to be free and encounter the Kohen Gadol, for the latter extends man’s life through his holy activities, while the former shortened someone’s life. The Seforno says that having a deadline for release from ir miklat is important in that it enables Divine Providence to distinguish between those who need a longer or a shorter term in ir miklat. Thus, if an unintentional murder was more grievous, it is more likely to have taken place when the Kohen Gadol had longer to live, thus extending his term. Rashi’s second explanation is that the Kohen Gadol should be in a position that people will await his death, for it was his shortcoming by not praying sufficiently well that allowed bloodshed to occur. We see, then, that spiritual leaders have much accountability for their "flock’s" shortcomings.
The Aramaic translation/commentary of Yonatan ben Uziel says something similar to Rashi’s second idea, but with an important twist. He says that it is fitting for the Kohen Gadol to die for not properly praying on Yom Kippur, inside the Holy of Holies, that Bnei Yisrael should not stumble in the three cardinal sins of bloodshed, adultery and incest, and idolatry. Rashi puts responsibility on the Kohen Gadol regarding the tragedy of the death. In contrast, Yonatan ben Uziel focuses on the Kohen Gadol’s responsibility regarding the tragedy of the sin. It is unclear if the idolatry and sexual sins that he refers to are purposeful violations or whether one did not realize that his action was forbidden. However, either way, it does not seem comparable to someone who did not even plan to strike anyone but to chop down a tree. While the tragedy is clear by an unintentional murderer, the sin is not.
The shortcoming of the unintentional murderer is not retroactive, when someone is killed, but begins before. There are various commandments to take steps to preserve our counterpart’s life. One who is not careful is one who violates the imperative not to be reckless. The responsibility of the Kohen Gadol is two-fold, to teach people not to be potential murderers and to pray that the potential should never be realized. That is the case by idolatry and sexual crimes as well. One exposes himself to moral dangers by his actions without necessarily planning to step over the line of a full-fledged, cardinal transgression. Before one knows it, he can fall into the trap of sin. Let us be careful enough to avoid a variety of possible tragedies.
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.