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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- D'varim
- Ha'azinu
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Hana Bat Haim
The Song of Ha’azinu promises to take a look at Jewish history (Devarim 32:7) and does just that. Included is the following pasuk, which we will try to translate reasonably: "He (Hashem) found him (the Israelite nation) in a wilderness land and in a howling place of desolation; He surrounded him (y’sov’veihu), He taught him wisdom, He watched over him like the pupil of His eye" (ibid.:10). Different commentaries explain the wilderness to refer to the spiritual wasteland of Egypt and/or the physical desolation of the Sinai Desert, Bnei Yisrael’s home after the Exodus. The latter was a place where Bnei Yisrael showed trust in Hashem, both physically, by entering a place without food, water, or shelter, and spiritually, by accepting His Torah.
What does "y’sov’veihu" mean? Rashi brings three explanations: 1) He encircled them with special, Divine clouds; 2) He arranged them in a circle in the desert (or a rectangular perimeter, if you prefer); 3) He arranged them in a circle around Mt. Sinai. The first reference, to the clouds, is, according to a prominent opinion (Sukka 11b) that which we commemorate with our sukkot.
After Rashi finished explaining the whole pasuk, Rashi goes back to explain y’sov’veihu a second time, based partially on Targum Unkelus, as follows. He had them dwell around the Divine Presence, which was in the middle of the encampment, in the Mishkan, and placed them under four banners, in four directions. Why does Rashi tack on this additional explanation, without introducing it as an alternative explanation?
It is likely that Rashi’s new explanation is not an alternative but is complementary. The clouds that surrounded Bnei Yisrael protected them from dangers that might infiltrate from beyond the encampment. Yet, they had an additional effect. They insulated Bnei Yisrael in a way that enabled them to focus on that which they encircled from within. They were privileged to surround the Mishkan, which "housed" the Divine Presence and allowed Hashem to live within the people. Thus, the miraculous, external, physical Divine protection facilitated internal, spiritual introspection.
The sukka does a similar thing. We leave our homes and go outside where flimsy walls protect us from the elements and the neighbors. This reminds us that just as in the desert, we are really protected by Hashem. We should focus on the spiritual legacy that we have within, as we are joined spiritually by the ushpizin and even the tzeila d’m’himnuta, a level of extra Divine Presence. And although we do not find a Mishkan in our midst, we can look to the Heavens (as we cannot in our homes) to see "Hashem’s palace" and the place from which, according to some, the Beit Hamikdash will descend.
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.