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Beit Midrash
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Let us see how Eliezer lost his status of being cursed. After he found Yitzchak’s match, Rivka, her family said to him, "Come, the blessed of Hashem" (Bereishit 24:31). The midrash (Bereishit Rabba 60) explains that once he served Avraham faithfully, he went from cursed to blessed. In other words, as long as he was looking out for his own welfare, in regard to his daughter marrying Yitzchak, even if it was subconsciously, he remained cursed, because he was bolstering his ego. Once he faithfully went about doing what Avraham had requested, he straightened out and became blessed. He needed to be able to conquer his inclinations and self-interests before he could fully be on the side of Avraham, as Avraham was on the other side from the rest of the world.
This was the way of Avraham. The Torah and the Rabbis detail how hard he toiled when he was in pain to prepare a meal fit for kings for three unknown guests, whom he even suspected were idol worshippers. But we have no idea what Avraham would eat himself; it sounds like it was nothing special. To act like a real king is to be concerned more about others; for himself, he is not in need (Sanhedrin 7b). The real master is one who can give his only pillow to someone else. That is the reason that Avraham’s Chitite neighbors treated him like a king (Bereishit Rabba 58).
The soul of a Jew is connected to the idea of malchut, of not being in need. The first things the Torah refers to as rulers are the sun and the moon, which give light to others. They give without withholding for themselves. If one is thinking about himself, he will always be hungry, as Eisav demanded to be fed (Bereishit 25:30). Yaakov and his descendants think about removing the hunger of others. We reach the height of this in the midst of our festive Pesach Seder when we declare that we look for those who are hungry. This is real malchut.
This is why there is and can be malchut in every Jew. We can, in this way, be a king even if we have only a walking stick and a pouch. Whether or not we have much means we can help others in need. That ability is why it is worthwhile to be free. We need laws and statutes of different types to purify our beings and thereby reveal the content that is in our souls. This is the type of greatness and malchut that we strive for.
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
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.