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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Vayikra
- Bechukotai
The steps towards discovery began in earnest as the monarchy was emerging, at the time of Shmuel, Shaul, and especially David, even before the latter had the crown put on his head. David fled from Shaul and went with Shmuel to Nayot in the Rama. Shaul found out and sought them, but along the way he was overcome by the "spirit of Hashem," and began to prophesy (Shmuel I, 19:18-23).
Chazal (Yalkut Shimoni, Shoftim 910) understood that the name of the place Nayot in Rama was a hint to the Beit Hamikdash, which was rama (in a high place) and was the noy (adornment) of the world. The place was on the joint border of the tribes of Binyamin and Yehuda. This would enable the drawing together of these critical factions in the nation, representing the descendants of the matriarchs Rachel and Leah. Therefore, when David became king over all of the nation, he captured Yerushalayim and appointed it as the eternal capital of the Jewish nation, united and unifying – the city to which all are connected (see Tehillim 122:3).
Unfortunately, at the moment that Avshalom rebelled against his father David and received popular support, David did not want to remain in the city and fled (see Shmuel II, 15:14). The head kohanim, Tzadok and Evyatar, wanted to join David with the aron from the Mishkan containing the luchot habrit. However, David told them to return the aron to Yerushalayim, where David would return if Hashem would have him merit it (ibid. 25-26).
David, the great believer, did not give up on the dream of Yerushalayim as the eternal capital – the center of the nation from a spiritual and political perspective. By leaving the city behind intact, he was announcing that it must remain the center even without him. "If I am correct, I will be able to return; if I am not correct, I will not return, but Yerushalayim will remain the center."
David is the one who set the formula: while leaders come and go, the capital remains. Because of his stance, David became an eternal part of our history. "Yerushalayim, for generation after generation" (Yoel 4:20). "David King of Israel lives and remains."
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.