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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
- Noach
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Yaakov Ben Behora
After the flood, Hashem made a covenant with the survivors that there would never again be a flood to destroy all of civilization. Commentaries wonder what the logic of such a promise is. If mankind’s behavior never warrants its destruction, then how could have Hashem brought on the mabul (flood) in the first place? And if mankind can deserve destruction, then why would Hashem promise not to give the proper punishment?
The Akeidat Yitzchak explains what changed after the mabul with an interesting thesis. The world before the flood deteriorated to a degree that demonstrated that it knew no limits or fears. Hashem could not allow it to continue that way. When ridding the world of the people and other vestiges of its decadence, He also introduced a concept that burrowed deep into the psyche of all future generations. The world was vulnerable to destruction if Hashem ruled that they deserved it. Paradoxically, even after Hashem promised not to bring on such massive destruction again, mankind internalized that it had to limit its corruption.
A further point that the Akeidat Yitzchak raises on behalf of the post-flood world is the fact that it was broken up into three groupings, according to the three sons of Noach. This, he says, ensures that even when one faction deteriorates dangerously in a certain direction, the others will not join in the same sins. They sin differently and separately, thus ensuring that the world will not fall to one great tragedy. (He explains the story of the Tower of Bavel in a way that it does not disprove his thesis about non-cooperation.)
Our modern, world community is impressively diligent in applying the lessons of the flood. Besides highlighting the flood with the UN’s symbol, we see that factionalism can still be broken up into threes, in a modern way. There are "three worlds" of socio-political groupings. Three major, monotheistic religions have been competing and fighting for the last millennium at least, with no sight of a let up. When one faction slips morally in a certain area, the other factions are there to remind it how it should be acting. (The criticizing faction may have been guilty of the same crime a few years before, but it enjoys showing how at the moment it is clean of the violation.) The United Nations is a great failure at creating world brotherhood and displaying moral consistency. However, the national infighting that skews so much of what goes on may have a part in the world’s fraternal checks and balances. This, paradoxically, according to the Akeidat Yitzchak, may help ensure that the world deserves escaping total destruction.
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.