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Beit Midrash
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To answer this question, let’s employ the time-honored strategy of asking yet another question! When detailing the genealogy of the Tribes later in the parsha, the pasuk says: "THIS was Ahron & Moshe, to whom Hashem had said, ‘Take Bnei Yisrael out of Egypt!’ They were the ones who spoke to Paro to release Bnei Yisrael from Mitzrayim. THIS was Moshe & Ahron."
Now, aside from the fact that Moshe & Ahron’s names are reversed (which Rashi says indicates their equal status) why is it necessary to both preface & conclude the statement with "this was Moshe & Ahron?" Wouldn’t it have sufficed to say it once, rather than twice? And what is the "this?"
Indeed, if the Torah was looking for one, defining image of Moshe & Ahron, would "this" really be it?! Why not describe Moshe as the one who split the sea, or the one who brought down the Luchot from Har Sinai? Why not characterize Ahron as the one who served as Kohen Gadol & led the Avoda in the Mishkan? Would these not have been more vivid, striking, lasting images?
But I suggest the Torah is emphasizing that what made Moshe & Ahron great was their courageous, selfless devotion to the nation, epitomized by their daring to confront Paro & demand that he release Am Yisrael from slavery. The elders had melted away, afraid of what Paro might do to them if they took such an audacious stance. But Moshe & Ahron were willing to risk their lives for the good of the people, & it is precisely "this" virtue of Mesirat Nefesh that becomes their eternal badge of honor.
G-d has many, many names (Chazal say the entire Torah is actually made up of names of G-d!) & each represents a particular aspect, mode or mood of the Almighty. "Elokim" connects to G-d’s attribute of justice, for at this crucial juncture in our history, justice is going to be the theme of the day. For more than a century, we will suffer the indignity of slavery, a huge physical & emotional trauma inflicted upon us. But Egypt will also be severely punished, its leader humbled, its economy devastated & its mighty army destroyed.
But while G-d is indeed the G-d of Justice, this is not "The" definitive G-d. That designation is reserved for the name "Hashem," which denotes mercy, love & the deliverance of all those who have faith in Him. That is G-d’s "real" & essential name, the one He most wants on our lips when we pray or refer to him. G-d defines himself as "He shall be what He shall be;" & that is the protective, giving, loving Hashem who changed history to redeem us once, & is now doing so again, right in front of our very eyes.
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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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 2
The King of the Kazars, in his search for truth, starts by inviting the philosopher. This is a "crash-course" on Aristotelian philosophy and the reasons why the king is not convinced. Through this dialogue, R. Yehuda HaLevi already foreshadows some of his central ideas that will appear later.
Shavuot "Love of Torah = Love of Israel"- for Shavuot
People often identify Judaism as just a religion, but upon examination, we see, even halachically and explicitly in the siddur, that the Torah is dependent upon Am Yisrael, Jewish nationalism.
Ein Aya The Middle-Child & Anti-Tzni'ut Syndrome- Negative Attention
Although tzni'ut is for men just like women, Rav Kook deals here with the sources in Yishayahu and the Talmud which deals with the special problem of lack of tzni'ut in women's dress and actions, where it's not just a problem of midot and character traits, but also can include practical, social and national ramifications, as well, which caused the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash and exile from Israel. The class continues the previous one (Ayn Aya Shabbat vi, 29), and is a must for all educators and parents of high-school aged and young adults.
P'ninat Mishpat P'NINAT MISHPAT: A Mess of Loans, Repayments and Grievances – part II
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts