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Beit Midrash
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Inbal bat Alon
However, a second, deeper look shows that the patriarchs did not just act as individuals. Most of their interactions were with monarchs and noblemen of their time, and they often interacted with them as leaders in their own right. Avraham engaged in a long discourse with Paroh in Egypt and emerged with the upper hand (Bereishit 12). Later on he took part in the struggle of nine of the leading kings of the time in a major world war. In its aftermath, he had discussions with the King of S’dom and Malkitzedek, the King of Shalem (Bereishit 14). Avraham continued his "diplomacy" with Avimelech, the King of G’rar. Yitzchak interacted prominently with Avimemlech, King of P’lishtim. Yaakov negotiated with Chamor, "the prince of the land," and in his old age was an honored guest of Paroh, king of the world’s only superpower.
There are signs of nobility in regard to the matriarchs, as well. Just look at their names. Sarah’s name can be translated as "nobility," and her sister as "queen." She is described as the gevira, a term used elsewhere in Tanach for the king’s mother or wife (see Melachim I, 11:19; II, 29:2; Yirmiya 29:2 and more). The midrash tells us that Hagar was the daughter of Paroh, who decided that it was worthwhile for her to serve as a servant in the house of Avraham and Sarah. A lesser-known midrash states that Avimelech likewise sent his daughter to them (Bereishit Rabba 45). The simple reading of the Torah also indicates that Keturah, who married Avraham in his old age, was a princess, whose descendants went on to be princes of different tribes. The fact that Avraham was able to wage war with a force of over 300 soldiers is a sign that his entire entourage must have been in the thousands, as the Rambam (Avodah Zara 1:3) states. Based on all of these indications, we see that when the people of Chet refer to Avraham as a "prince of G-d" in our midst, it was not simply flattery, but a reflection of Avraham’s local and even international status. et us pray that we will merit having leaders who can act as the princes of our past, the righteous patriarchs and matriarchs, did.
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.