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Beit Midrash
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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Asher Ben Haim
In the middle of an apparent address to Moshe, Hashem says "Now, you (plural) write for you (plural) the words of this song and teach it (singular) to Bnei Yisrael, place it (singular) in their mouth so that this song will be testimony for Me to Bnei Yisrael" (ibid.:19). Who is referred to when using the plural for the writing and why does the language revert to the singular in regard to the teaching?
The Ramban explains that the reference is to Yehoshua in addition to Moshe, as he was involved in writing the "song" (of "Ha’azinu"), even though Moshe actually wrote it (ibid.:22). Yet, Moshe is mentioned alone in the teaching, even though Yehoshua also took part (ibid. 32:44). For this reason, the Netziv rejects the Ramban’s explanation.
The Netziv says that the plural for the writing includes the mitzva for all generations to write a sefer Torah. Thus, the Torah is writing on two levels simultaneously. Moshe should write Ha’azinu, and Bnei Yisrael should write sifrei Torah. He also explains that Yehoshua’s part in teaching the nation was technical. As this was the only section of the Torah to be taught to the nation only after it was written, Moshe taught it in a natural manner without the miracle of Hashem "speaking through his throat." Thus, Yehoshua had to help him project so that all could hear. As his task was technical, he is even referred to by his mundane name, Hoshea.
Let us return to the Ramban and try to understand why Yehoshua’s presence at Moshe’s writing made him fit to be included in the command to write. We wrote in the past that the fact that this section of the Torah was written before it was orally transmitted had special significance. It symbolized a new period in history, when the source of Hashem’s word would be the written Torah and the oral tradition that explains it. This was a stark change from the prospect of relying on a person to provide a direct link to Hashem and His word. Yehoshua was the first Torah authority who represented the idea of relying on his Torah study. Thus it was his presence at Moshe’s writing of the Torah that symbolically gave the event its special historical significance. This element epitomizes the famous mishna in Pirkei Avot (1:1): "Moshe received the Torah at Sinai and passed it on to Yehoshua." In contrast, regarding the teaching, this section of the Torah, like all others, was reserved to Moshe, who had to teach all of the Torah to Bnei Yisrael. Yehoshua’s involvement in that did not take away from Moshe’s prominence nor constitute a new stage in history.
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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.