YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- D'varim
- Ki Tetze
actually occurred).
It’s hard, if not impossible, for us to relate to these far-out scenarios. But on an allegorical level – especially since the Book of Devarim is essentially about Moshe’s final Musar to the Jewish People – these items may very well make a whole lot of sense, both for then, as well as for our own era & contemporary society.
The rebellious "child" is Am Yisrael, for we have indeed strayed as a nation from the path that has been set out for us; we have not always listened to the voice of our "Father" – Hashem, nor our "mother," our ancestors. In the "battle" that we fight constantly against our own inclinations, we have often succumbed to the perceived beauty of the "Eshet Y’Fat To’ar," the captive woman who represents the forbidden fruit of sin. We desired her, we took her as our close companion, our lover. But when we removed her glossy, shiny cover – when we "shaved her head" & "trimmed her fingernails" - we saw that the sin wasn’t nearly as attractive as it was when it first seduced us & appealed to our lesser, baser inclinations.
But all is not lost. For just as with the man who has two wives - & wishes to favor the child who is born to his more beloved second wife – Hashem will not allow His firstborn, however scorned, to be superseded by that second child. Even if we, the Jewish People, at times take on the guise of a non-believer; even if another nation appears to be more pious & G-d-fearing than us, Hashem still "recognizes" His children, for deep down he knows that we will return to
Him & assume our rightful status.
The word "Yakir-recognize" is connected to "Yakar – precious." Like a person who sees his long-lost relative after a very long time apart (as happened dramatically this past week in Korea), Hashem instantly recognizes His chosen people & loves us – if not for what we are now, then for what we inevitably will be.
And so Moshe Rabbeinu, ever the quintessential teacher, is sending us a veiled, yet vitally important message in the opening p’sukim of Ki Tetze. He is telling us that life is a constant battle between right & wrong, between good &
evil, between faith & the failure to appreciate the unique connection we have to G-d. He is telling us to soldier on, until we win both the battle and the war for our soul.
Rabbi Stewart Weiss
Was ordained at the Hebrew Theological College in Skokie, Illinois, and led congregations in Chicago and Dallas prior to making Aliyah in 1992. He directs the Jewish Outreach Center in Ra'anana, helping to facilitate the spiritual absorption of new olim.
Jewish Laws and Thoughts Shul “etiquette:” can we honor Hashem while respecting our fellow congregants?
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Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
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.
