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Beit Midrash
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Rashi actually understands the key words in a different manner. Mordechai was pointing out to Esther that she should not rely on her ability to have sway with Achashverosh closer to the time of the planned anti-Jew attacks later in the year. One can suggest a simple answer based on good middot. Perhaps to doubt that simply Esther was the most worthy, from a Persian perspective, to be chosen queen, was insulting to her. However, there are both technical and philosophic reasons to reject this approach, and so we will present another one.
Mordechai had strong beliefs and faith that Hashem would protect those who would do the right thing, even when the prospects looked bleak. What could otherwise be a reckless act became a necessary one when there was a principle to stand up for or a kiddush Hashem to be made. Thus, the Jews must not capitulate religiously or culturally to Haman, or to Achashverosh, for that matter. When the option was an operative one, they must seize the opportunity to act nobly with confidence that Hashem would make sure that things would work out, in whatever manner they would. The proper action for a person to take should be treated as a surety; Hashem will make sure it will work. The specific means through which Divine Providence would prevail was Hashem’s secret to which man was not necessarily privy. Thus, Esther must act according to the significant power she had, which gave her a better natural chance than anyone else. Why was it that Esther was in such a position, while undoubtedly a fascinating philosophical question, did not impact on what she needed to do. Therefore, Mordechai mentioned the possibility that her rise to the throne was for this purpose to give Esther motivation and strength to act. However, there was no need to turn it into a definite statement with philosophical implications.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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